Unexpected. A Memoir of Endurance and Triumph in Raising a Challenging Child

This story of Maralee's journey with her daughter, Beth, was insightful, gut-wrenching, and filled with faith and love. I want to thank her so much for putting herself out there to tell her story, as it will help others. I'm not as good at quoting Bible verses as she is, but my favorite is "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). I could see that verse at work in Maralee and Greg's life every step of the way. - Teri Latter, NAMI volunteer

Unexpected is a story of the mother's faith and endurance. Maralee's commitment and love for her daughter shine through as she gives readers a window into the intense daily challenges of parenting mental illness and Asperger's.  - Julie Hornok, author of the award-winning book, United in Autism, Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum

To any family navigating life with a loved one with mental health challenges, this book will give you the hope and support you need to push through another day. Maralee's words show others that they are not alone as she walks through her journey that not many can understand. This book is heartfelt, engaging and full of scripture-based encouragement. - Nancy Binger, mom of a special-needs child

Unexpected is a tribute to faith, love, education, support and miracles. People who've parented children with special needs and/or mental illness will find themselves whispering "us, too," as they read through the Parkers' journey. 'Civilians' cannot know what it is like, so I am especially pleased that Maralee mentioned NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). The free NAMI Family-to-Family course was a lifeline for my family, and the nonjudgmental welcome I received to NAMI Family Support groups was an emotional lifesaver. Unexpected is a gem. - Laurie Huske, Immediate Past President, NAMI Kane County North

As a social worker professor, counselor and a parent, I believe Maralee Parker's debut memoir, Unexpected, is one of the most important books to come along in years. This easy-to-read and very relatable book details the struggles Parker and her husband faced raising their adopted daughter Beth (now an adult), who experienced a range of difficult behavioral crises throughout her childhood. Parker details the challenges she faced as a mother who dearly wanted to love a child who seemed incapable of loving her back, challenges with other parents' well-meaning but often unhelpful and even shaming advice, and challenges to her faith life when prayer alone did not seem to be enough. Parker's readable and relatable memoir provides parents (and really anyone) with sage wisdom rooted in her Christian faith in a way that goes beyond common anecdotes and superficial answers. Parker provides struggling parents and family members with guidance in how to love a difficult child who may seem unlovable. But the lessons Parker provides extend beyond parenting and can be applied to any crisis that makes us question our faith in God and in ourselves. I plan on providing this book to every one of my clients who is struggling with family issues, particularly parenting challenges. - Michelle Martin, PhD, MSW. Associate Professor of Social Work, California State University, Fullerton