There was so much to process. Her newborn didn't come home immediately as the doctors assessed his condition. He spent seven days in the NICU which can feel like an eternity when a parent craves bonding with their child. Lezotte never regretted her decision of not doing the amniocentesis because she would never put conditions on a gift from god. Yet, she knows from experience that her son Owen’s future will be rocky. Families that have a special needs child already know that friendships end at the school door. As the child grows up, it is the family that creates those special moments and bonds. Accepting this undeniable truth becomes the gateway to envisioning her future. Whenever it was possible, she wanted her child to flourish. Achieving inclusion in a school classroom was a tough battle, but she reached that summit. How Lezotte’s successful career in tech and journalism proved her ability to get projects completed. She had the drive, stamina, and vision. There was a role reversal when her husband became the stay-at-home parent. Her family and close friends supported her and kept her grounded. Even her critical mother-in-law would come at a moment’s notice, and she adored Owen. Why? At three years old, Owen met the revered Maori healer, Papa Joe, who said Owen was Owen. He came with the grace to heal others simply by being himself. Owen also had focus and drive. When Michael Phelps competed in the Olympics, Owen replayed the races constantly. When he said “I can swim like Michael Phelps,” his mom believed him and signed him up for a swim team. He was a visual learner, and he knew how to study. Most people are visual learners. Perhaps Owen's technique should be considered for inclusion in the curriculum.

The story ends as Owen is filling out his application for attending an away school that will teach him life skills that will help him live as independently as possible and take his place in the wider world. Lezotte lets herself be vulnerable and shares some of the hard questions and disagreements along the way. She includes the struggles at home with Owen’s younger siblings while maintaining their privacy as much as possible.

One of her writing strengths lies in her ability to credit the friends, staff, students, and coaches by detailing their specific actions with her son. This writer took notes, which is remarkable. She wrote the early chapters with clarity thanks to the notebook she kept of Owen’s early days.