Andrew and Rachel Wilson are the authors of “The Life We Never Expected,” which is a book about parenting children with special needs. The Wilsons use this book to help provide encouragement to parents who are raising children with disabilities.
Both of their children, Zeke and Anna, were diagnosed with regressive autism. In the book Andrew and Rachel take turns sharing their ups and downs, but are realistic about their situation. I love that within their realism they are able to remain hopeful. They also seem to be honest about the amount of selfless time spent on researching, learning, and caring for their children. They don’t paint their lives as picture perfect, neither do they shame the readers with feelings of guilt or gloom.
Top 5 reasons I recommend The Life We Never Expected
- The book is honest
- The stories take the reader through a mix of emotions
- The triumph and sorrows presented are balanced
- The book is short, but provides resources that can continue to provide the reader with more understanding, empathy, and support
- Provides a different perspective
How is The Life We Never Expected different from other books?
The parents are not looking for sympathy or praise. The Wilsons are just sharing their own story in hopes that others will be able to relate.
The Wilsons are from the UK so some of the references may be new or different from what Americans or people from other countries may be used to. For example, in one of the stories Rachel (i believe) shares that Zeke plays with their dog in the boot of their car, which is actually their trunk. I enjoying listening to people’s unique stories, so I enjoyed learning new British expressions as well.
Overall, I recommend this book to any parent who is faced with a struggle that they are unable to control; or to parents who want to understand what other families are going through. By listening to the stories and unique experiences from the Wilsons, any parents can learn how to cope with unexpected life challenges and remain hopeful in Christ. The book is largely positive, but the authors do not pretend to be blind to their ever changing needs as parents or as spouses.
This book would make a great gift to parents who want a new take on their family perspective. For me, it helped me realize my many many blessings.
ABOUT The Life We Never Expected
(From the publisher)
What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God’s Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they’ve learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials—ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.
To Purchase
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