Endorsements

What a tremendously helpful and inspiring book!  Having two chronically ill children myself, I was amazed at how well acquainted Philo was with the private pain, grief, guilt and loneliness I have experienced trying to cope with it all.  With each devotion, my spirit was lifted into a hope I have rarely felt in the midst of the battle.  I highly recommend this book to any parent whose dreams for their children have been sidetracked by illness.

Rene Gutteridge, Author
Never the Bride and My Life as a Doormat

“Why couldn’t my child be normal?” I was a volunteer hospital chaplain the first time I heard that cry. She wasn’t blaming God or screaming about the unfairness of life. She meant, “I hurt for myself; I hurt for my daughter. I wanted her to be healthy and she’s not.”

No words can change the diagnosis, but there are those who can help parents change their attitude. Jolene Philo understands those cries because of the experience with her son, Allen. I highly recommend this book from a mother who opens her heart on every page.

Cecil Murphey, New York Times’ best-selling author
When Someone You Love Has Cancer.

A Different Dream for My Child” offers the right words for those painful moments when everything seems wrong. The chapters are short, designed for parents with only snatches of time to spare. The author’s personal stories create common ground with readers; her prayers express what grieving parents feel but can’t always articulate; her reflective postscripts nudge readers to move past the “now” and onto the “what’s next?” Philo’s book is like a gentle balm prescribed for persons bruised and battered by circumstances.

Holly G. Miller
The Saturday Evening Post

Powerful, insightful, and candidly honest, Jolene Philo’s book A Different Dream for My Child is a treasured companion for those who’ve journeyed the heart-bending path of caring for a chronically or critically ill child. Written with insight, pasion, and wisdom, Jolene’s words deliver both comfort and biblical counsel on the diverse and complex emotional, spiritual, relational, and practical aspects of caring for sick children. This book is a celebration of hope in the God of comfort who walks beside us in the midst of our pain.

Shelly Beach, award-winning author
Precious Lord, Take My Hand: Meditations for Caregivers

The examples of comfort and shared experience will benefit all who read this book. Chronic sorrow follows chronic disease, and the reflections offered are excellent in addressing this. Every problem discussed is “right on” and pulls out personal recollections of many of my patients. I would recommend it to families and caretakers alike.

David H. Van Dyke MD
Pediatric Neurologist

I love Jolene’s book, A Different Dream for your Child.  As the mom of a disabled child, I can tell you that Jolene encourages us to see that though our parenting experience may not be the ‘norm,’ and can still be rich, rewarding and full of joy.

Linda Evans Shepherd, author, speaker
WebTV4Women.tv host

Jolene Philo has written a wise and wonderful book for parents of special needs children, and for all those who want to help such parents. A Different Dream for My Child is one of the most honest, empathetic, and healing books I’ve ever read, written by someone who has truly been there. Philo draws on her own experiences and the experiences of many other parents whose dreams for their children have been shattered. This book blessed me in a profound way. I know it will bless you.

Jim Denney, author,
Answers to Satisfy the Soul

The trauma and drama of a sick child is a journey of it’s own kind. Gratefully Jolene has tenderly rose up to come to the heart-aid of the families. With every page you turn you will hear the stories of parents who understand how it feels to receive the terrifying news that their child is in immediate and long-term danger. If you have experienced or are living in deep sorrow brought on by your child’s condition I recommend that you open this book and allow the balm of understanding to meet you where you are at…to help ease your ongoing ache, your loneliness, and your feelings of isolation.

Patsy Clairmont
Author: “Catching Fireflies”
Women of Faith Speaker