Donna Turenne has contributed the poem "One Mother to Another" in the 'Adjusting' section of the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs.

Donna's oldest child has struggled with a severe seizure disorder since she was 4 months old.  She has been diagnosed with a rare Epilepsy Syndrome called Dravet's Syndrome, and is mild to moderately cognitvely challenged.

"One Mother to Another" expresses the struggles parents face with respect to how their children are accepted in society.

Talking about the defining moment in her life - Donna says:

"As difficult as that day was - I believe now, it happened for a reason.  It was a moment that truly opened my eyes and freed me from my own worst enemy (myself). 

I was sitting amongst a group of mothers watching our children in swimming lessons.  One mother commented on how there was one child that seemed to be taking away from the other children, and actually proceeded to point out to the others, that little girl in the yellow bathing suit.  As my heart sank, I realized that - that little girl in the yellow bathing suit, was MY little girl ... and I proudly claimed her as my own. 

I didn't go in to detail , but I did tell the mother, that my daughter was lucky to be alive and swimming was the love of her life.  I was so grief stricken, and then so angry.  

I always tried to protect her.  I didn't want to see 'those looks', and hear 'those words', and so I always tried to be one step ahead to explain her situation before hand, so that others would accept her.  As I returned home, I literally dropped to my knees and cried like I'd never cried before.  I then, started writing as quickly and easily as I had ever written before.