THE CHILD WHO NEVER GREW (Pearl Buck)

Pearl Buck's only natural child, Carol, was born with PKU, resulting in severe developmental disabilities.  This short, heartbreaking book is the story of Buck's journey of acceptance of her daughter's limitations and her quest to discover how to maximize her limited abilities and provide her with the happiest and most fulfilling life possible.  Buck consulted experts and explored every possibility, finally realizing that letting her go, at least on a day-to-day basis, was the best course of action to give Carol a life with some meaning and contentment.  Buck traveled all over the United States visiting and evaluating facilities and talking to authorities in the field, searching for the right placement for her daughter.  She offers excellent advice, still valid today, I think, on what to look for in a home for a special child.  In no way was Buck trying to rid herself of responsibility.  She recognized that in the "real" world occupied by people of normal intellect and a range of personalities and emotions her daughter would never find happiness and always feel "different."  Instead, she needed a kind and loving environment where she could pursue her interests and make friends under the care of people who were experts in dealing with her type of disabilities.  Buck found that in New Jersey, in a facility where the philosophy of the man in charge and the attitudes of the people who would care for carol on a day-to-day basis coincided with Buck's own.  She visited Carol often, heartbroken over missing her yet happy to see her well-adjusted and at home. 

Remember, this take place at a time when disabled children were hidden away and often warehoused.  The special ed programs and government aid available today were unheard of in the 1920's, so Buck had to deal with her child's future on her own.  her compassion and love for Carol shines through in every page of this book.  I would highly recommend it.