This book was an answer to prayer. I actually found it at a garage sale. After reading it, I realized the many things that I had been doing incorrectly to resolve an on-going problem in my relationship with my adult son. I have started to put some of the principles outlined in this book into practice. I have not seen progress from my son, however, my mental state is much better and positive. I still have a long way to go but will continue to reread this book to reinforce the principles found there.

This book helped me to retain (or regain!) a level of rational thinking at a time when there was nothing rational in my personal life. All three of my beloved children were out of control and our family life was in chaos. One child was into drugs, one was into alcohol, and one was trying to cope with severe trauma. I was on a guilt trip that threatened to engulph me, and it seemed like I had slipped into a deep black pit with slippery walls. The entire world seemed black to me. One of the strongest helps I received was The Hurting Parent. The various topics seemed to address my pain - - even the topics that did not apply to my situation. Since then I have bought several copies of this book, and then loaned them out. They don't seem to come back, so the people I have given them to must consider them helpful in their lives, too. Thank you Margie Lewis & son!