Suitable for all ages, A Very Special Child explains what it means to be adopted in a loving, spiritual way. When my husband and I first adopted our child, I searched for an appropriate children's book to help me share with our son the wonder of adoption. I was unable to find a story that fit our situation; one that, I felt, was appropriate to most of us who adopt. I decided to write my own. I wanted to tell the story in a spiritual way and in such a manner that would make a child proud to be adopted. I also felt that it was important to reinforce the fact that he or she was loved from the very beginning. These feelings, therefore, were my muse and A Very Special Child sprang from my heart virtually complete with the first writing. Excerpt It was a cool, crisp autumn night; a couple knelt facing each other. Foreheads touching, they prayed, hands clasped between them. They often prayed this way, leaning in to each other for support, each depending upon the other for balance: “Please, Dear God, could you send us our child? We’ve waited a long time and want to hold our little one in our arms!” High in the heavens, a shimmering vortex of love and light began to move as God turned His head toward the sound of their voices. A glowing moonbeam streaked its way to the still praying couple, surrounding them in soft, incandescent light. “Yes,” He said to Himself, “I see that they have been waiting for a long time. Their love is strong and good. I will make for them a very special child!” God summoned His angels. He loved them dearly because they were sweet and gentle. He wanted to speak to the Cherubs in particular and so drew them to Him carefully. The love-filled light of God beamed upon the angels as He asked “My Cherubs! Will you give some of your sweetness and goodness to help me make this special child?” The angels cried with joy. “Yes, Lord!” they exclaimed, clapping their hands and dancing. “We will gladly give some of our sweetness and goodness to help make this special child!” God was pleased and invited them to stay for a while so He could watch them play and dance. God then summoned His birds...

Professional Reviews
From the Heart of Love
n this heartwarming book by author Debra Shiveley Welch, we are privilaged to experience the depths of her love and thankfulness for her adoptive son Christopher. The author takes you on a journey from her and her husbands head-bent prayers to their God asking for a child, receiving their blessing and the child's growing years. Very touching, very sensitive.


In her work, Ms. Welch tenderely tells of the Lord giving attributes to her yet unborn son while in the womb of the frightened young mother. God takes some sweetness from the Cherubs, sweet music from the birds, laughter from the dolphins, and wraps them in love from the mother placing it all carefully into the spirit of the unborn babe. A beautiful gift of life waiting to be unwrapped and cherished. Waiting to be placed in the arms of a loving mother and father.

This is a wonderful work that any adoptive parent, or any parent that truly knows how blessed they are, could give to their beloved child to show them how much they are loved and how special they are. It is filled with wonderful poetry and essays of experiences shared and life lived. A delightful, heartful work that I am proud to recommend.

Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review

the gift of adoption
A Very Special Child by Debra Shiveley is a wonderful book written with child-like wonder. Debra removes the stigma of adoption by showing adopted children everywhere that they are indeed special, wanted and loved. Debra demonstrates how the birth mother served a significant role in preparing the gift of a baby to a very loving family in simple easy to read terms. She demonstrates through magic and wonderment how nothing is an accident; all is within God's divine plan.

Her essays and poems reveal the many aspects of parenting: the yearning for that perfect child, the joy of parenting, the everyday routine of mother and child relationship to the twinge of pain when a mother realizes her child has grown up. Debra crosses generations and demonstrates how this love continues from mother to grandmother and beyond. In all of this she maintains that there is no such thing as an imperfect child. Like the butterfly which cannot fly, a child with an imperfection is still and always will be perfect in the sight of God and always first and foremost a very special child.

Carol Roach, M.Ed, BA

The Perfect Book to Touch a Heart
I recently had the pleasure of reading "A Very Special Child", written by Debra Shiveley Welch. This book is a story that explains in very simple and heart wrenchingly beautiful terms, how much her child means to her life even though she did not have the privilege of carrying him herself.

If you have ever known how good it feels to have a child's arms around your neck, this book is for you. If you have ever wondered what a child can bring into your life, or someone else's life, this book is for you. In fact, I cannot imagine anyone who would not enjoy this book. I can guarantee you a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart by the time you close the cover.

Dianna Petry, Author

Reader Reviews for "A Very Special Child"

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado	11/26/2007
Wonderful; will have to read this one. I read a lot about special needs adoption; write a lot about the subject too. Am not adopted, but know people who have adopted children; they truly have blessed me, touched my heart. (((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Reviewed by Pam Uher	9/6/2007
Enjoyed your sneak peak...will have to read this one! Pam

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