Precerpt from Raising God's Rainbow Makers: Shane - What is fair?

 


At as early an age as I can remember, Shane had a heightened sense of fairness. And, if something was not fair (in his mind, at least), nothing could persuade him to accept it. As he grew into adulthood and took on supervisory positions, that sense of fairness blended with strong logic (which underlay his sense of fairness all along).

Case in point: Grade 5. Recess

In home room, Shane's teacher, Mrs. D, had trouble one morning quieting down one row of kids. It was the row that quiet, introverted Shane sat in. Finally, in exasperation, she told the class that the kids in Shane's row had to stay in at recess for punishment. Shane raised his hand, and the ensuing conversation went like this:

Shane: That does not include me; I was not being noisy.

Mrs. D.: It does include you; you are in that row.

Shane: I do not accept your inclusion of me; I did not choose to be in this row; you put me here.

Mrs. D.: Discussion over. The entire row stays in at recess.

At recess, the row of kids stayed in, with their heads on their desks -- except for Shane. Shane went out for recess. Another conversation ensued:

Mrs. D.: You disobeyed me. Now you will be on detention.

Shane: Yes, I disobeyed you. Detention is fair.

Mrs. D. asked me when I came to pick up Shane from detention, "How do you outlogic Shane?" Wish I knew!


Read other stories about Shane.

Read other precerpts from this book.

Resad other posts on parenting. 


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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