It can be lonely parenting a special-needs child, but you are not alone.A Memoir / Self Help book by Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim.Parenting is a challenging journey, especially when raising a child who requires extra attention. There are days when it feels as if you’re trapped in a dark cave with no way out. The lonesomeness and helplessness exhaust you. You may be looking for some words of inspiration … of inspiration to know that you are not alone.
A Mother’s Heart is a book for any parent in a similar circumstance. This book is written by a mother raising a special needs son with a genetic disorder. It encapsulates both the elements of a memoir and a self-help book. The author candidly shares her need to make heart-wrenching decisions throughout the journey, including family life and working with the school systems.
This is a book not only helpful for parents with a special needs child, it will also give insights to individuals who may encounter or be involved with parents of special needs children.
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A heartfelt read of a mother’s journey as a parent of a special needs child. Eichin’s son was born profoundly deaf and as a mother, she knew this long before she got the diagnosis that her son was born with Waardenburg syndrome. A mother knows so much more at times than the experts. The book follows Eichin’s life covering her son’s childhood years until he becomes independent and leaves home. The book is a quick, capturing read and gives an insight into the roller coaster ride this mother goes through emotionally, balancing her own life, the struggles and the victories. What a beautiful dedicated mother.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Mother’s Heart: Memoir of a Special Needs Parent
Author: Eichin Chang-Lim
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 17 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A fascinating read. I applaud the mother for all her hard work not just in writing the book but in helping her son to find his way in life.’ Male reader, aged 72
‘The message here is very relevant in a world where medical professionals are often overwhelmed. Basically, it’s up to the parents to (a) educate themselves on the problem and (b) push hard to get what they want for their child. If you leave it up to the health service, you’ll get nowhere. Sadly, a lot of children with special needs who have uninterested and/or disorganized parents, fall through the cracks. I’m so happy that this mother didn’t let it happen to her son.’ Female reader (nurse), aged 44
‘A clever mix of self-help and memoir, this well-written account of a woman trying to help her son is uplifting and illuminating. It shows the lows but, also, the highs of motherhood too. Perfect for any new mother (or father), particularly if their child has special needs.’ Female reader, aged 54
‘I would happily recommend this book to anybody with a special needs child. It is not just informative in terms of getting help, it’s also an emotional roller coaster.’ Male reader, aged 52
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly written memoir, enlightening and thoroughly gripping. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“A Mother’s Heart” by Eichin Chang-Lim is a memoir of her journey of raising a special needs child. Each chapter is organized by title of topic, quote, general overview of topic, and author’s or family member’s perspective. The book spans the time period from the birth of Eichin’s son, who is diagnosed with Waardenburg Syndrome resulting in hearing loss, to his early adulthood. The author provides a heartfelt account of how she made decisions to help her son live independently and follow his life’s pathway. The overall message of the book is to educate yourself as a parent on what you can do to help your special needs child reach his or her full potential.
The heartfelt honesty of how Eichin Chang-Lim dealt with various challenges in her son’s life made this an inspirational and educational memoir. The book is smoothly written and professionally edited. It is a quick read that provides sound advice on how parents can meet their children’s special needs. The author’s experience as an optometrist helped her make clear-sighted decisions on how to treat and educate her son. Even so, Eichin honestly reveals her raw emotions as she dealt with each stage in her son’s development.
I recommend “A Mother’s Heart” for parents and others who seek advice and inspiration for meeting the challenges of raising a special needs child.
The book is a memoir and the care and sensitivity with which the author tackles the need of special children by parents, was commendable.
Beautifully narrated with titbits of advice and experiences peppered all the way, it was powerful read.
A Mother’s Heart: Memoir of a Special Needs Parent by Eichin Chang – Lim is the story of hope, of light that lingers behind dark clouds, which don’t last forever. It is the story of a mother’s love that refuses to be overpowered by challenges that destiny had laid before her by giving her a blue-eyed lovely boy with Waardenburg syndrome. A first child is a treasure for a mother but Eichin’s first-born was diagnosed profoundly deaf – a staggering revelation for any mother but Eichin keeps her agony to herself when she shares the story of her son, Ted.
Eichin’s determination to give the best to her son, her decision to keep working due to financial and health benefits that she could avail, her forbearance in the wake of disappointments, her efforts to keep the family together despite the cracks are inspiring for even those who don’t have to face such tumults in life. Kudos to Eichin who could raise an independent, fun-loving son despite all the struggles she had to make. This is a wonderful book for all parents and carries a succinct message – never give up!