I'm so glad you stopped by. I am already praying for you. Isn't it amazing how, when we pray for someone, we grow to love them? The moment I wrote the first word of my first book, Grace According to Gifts, I began praying for anyone who would read. Now I pray for anyone who reads my story or visits me on social media, or here on my website. I want you to feel welcome and loved by me and by Almighty God.

I'm Karol ~ My priorities are, first and foremost, a Child of God. Next, I am wife to my amazing husband, Jim. Then I am mother to seven amazing children. Finally, I am a writer who is passionate about grief, loss, and parenting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I believe firmly in keeping priorities and praying for them in this order.

Right out of high school, I earned a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science where I learned to analyze blood and body fluids for diagnostic purposes. I worked for thirty years in the medical field. I used to have a bit of a "save the world" mentality. I wanted to be a missionary in a third-world country. Instead, God brought my mission to me and placed it in my arms.

Jim and I were content with what we considered to be the perfect-sized family after our fourth child was born. God had a different plan. He brought a tiny baby boy from Haiti who needed someone to care for him. This child changed the trajectory of our lives as we were thrust into the world of developmental disabilities and medical complexities. Our eyes were opened to a desperate need. We couldn't pretend we did not know. Later, we adopted two more children with significant needs. Two of our children are now in heaven.

Because of our experiences with our oldest disabled son, I have become aware of the alarming lack of services and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Once again, I cannot pretend I do not know.

If you are bearing the heavy load of grief, loss, or parenting children with special needs, it is my prayer that I can walk with you on your journey.