Precerpt from Raising God's Rainbow Makers: Puff, the Cat

 


When we were living in Pittsburgh, a little orange kitten showed up one day and quickly became pals with Shane, who named him Puff. He was an indoor–outdoor cat, always turning up for his meals and for petting, as if he knew he belonged.

When we moved to Arlington, Virginia, we took Puff with us—how could we leave him behind? He adapted easily to the new neighborhood, a quiet area tucked away from traffic and noise. Good for kids. Good for a cat. For a while, everything felt right.

Then, about a year later, Puff stopped wanting to go outside. He curled up in the corner of the study and slept—and slept—and slept. We worried. Was he sick? Had he eaten something bad? We took him to the vet on Monday morning, hoping for medicine or a change of food.

The diagnosis was devastating: feline leukemia, likely contracted from other outdoor cats in Virginia. In Pittsburgh, our neighborhood had been so isolated that cats roamed freely and safely—something that’s rare now. But in Arlington, FLV was widespread. Puff was already in his final days.

The vet recommended euthanasia, but Shane couldn’t bear the thought. He didn’t want to harm his friend. Puff made the decision himself. While the vet stepped away to prepare, Puff simply went to sleep—permanently—in Shane’s arms.

Shane and Donnie brought Puff home. We found a small box, his own little coffin, and buried him behind the house. A simple cross marked the spot. Shane spent many days talking to Puff before we moved away. Now, Puff is a memory—one of those gentle souls who remind us that love doesn’t end; it just crosses the rainbow bridge.


Book Description:

Raising God's Rainbow Makers: A Family Memoir of Grace, Grit, and Growing Up Different

What happens when a military family welcomes four children—each with wildly different needs—into a world not always built to support them?

In Raising God’s Rainbow Makers, one mother shares the remarkable journey of raising two children with complex disabilities—one with spina bifida, one with CHARGE Syndrome—and two intellectually gifted children, all born in different states during years of military life. Through medical crises, educational challenges, and societal roadblocks (both intentional and unintentional), this honest and inspiring memoir tells the story of how one family built a life of strength, compassion, and resilience.

With warmth and unflinching honesty, the author reflects on emergency surgeries, IEP battles, unexpected victories, and the fierce sibling bonds that formed in the face of it all. The children—now grown—bear witness to the power of support, faith, and never giving up.

This is not just a story of survival. It is a celebration of difference, a chronicle of hope, and a powerful testament to what love and determination can build when the world says "impossible." 


Keywords:

Parenting memoir; Special needs parenting; Raising children with disabilities; Military family life; Family resilience; Inspirational family story; Faith-based memoir; Coping with medical challenges; Sibling support stories; Gifted children; Spina bifida; CHARGE Syndrome; Hydrocephalus; Congenital disabilities; Complex medical needs; Pediatric neurosurgery; IEP and special education; Gifted education; Educational advocacy; Inclusive education; Hope and healing; Courage and strength; Love and perseverance; Raising different children; Disability acceptance; Parenting through adversity; Overcoming barriers; Finding joy in hardship; Special needs journey; Family unity and support; For parents of disabled children; For parents of gifted children; For educators and therapists; Christian parenting memoir; For families facing rare diagnoses; Real-life parenting stories; Memoirs about raising children; Stories of medical miracles

 



For more posts about Elizabeth and her books, click HERE. 

Read more stories -- and photos -- about the Mahlou family in the blog (no longer maintained), Clan of Mahlou.






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