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An Unexpected Normal
A beacon of hope for parents of children with disabilities, Angelini tells the story of a Chicago couple that learns unconditional love, complete acceptance, true compassion, and a new definition of normal after their baby is diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Faced with the possibility of losing their three-day-old second child when she contracts meningitis, Norman and Rita Angelini experience all five stages of grief. Terrified for their daughter, they bargain, plead, and beg for a miracle—and they get one, but it isn’t what they though KiKi survives, her illness results in severe brain damage, and she is ultimately diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
In the aftermath of this diagnosis, denial and anger take over. Rita fights to keep her vision of who she thinks KiKi could be, and she channels her energy into searching for a procedure—some therapy—that would change KiKi’s outcome. In pursuit of a cure, the Angelini family treks across the United States and abroad—but somewhere along the way, acceptance of and joy in who KiKi is prevails over the idea of “fixing” her.
A memoir of unending hope, faith lost and rediscovered, and unconditional love, An Unexpected Normal offers other parents of children born with a disability hope that joy is always within reach—even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Faced with the possibility of losing their three-day-old second child when she contracts meningitis, Norman and Rita Angelini experience all five stages of grief. Terrified for their daughter, they bargain, plead, and beg for a miracle—and they get one, but it isn’t what they though KiKi survives, her illness results in severe brain damage, and she is ultimately diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
In the aftermath of this diagnosis, denial and anger take over. Rita fights to keep her vision of who she thinks KiKi could be, and she channels her energy into searching for a procedure—some therapy—that would change KiKi’s outcome. In pursuit of a cure, the Angelini family treks across the United States and abroad—but somewhere along the way, acceptance of and joy in who KiKi is prevails over the idea of “fixing” her.
A memoir of unending hope, faith lost and rediscovered, and unconditional love, An Unexpected Normal offers other parents of children born with a disability hope that joy is always within reach—even in the most challenging of circumstances.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
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March 6, 2026I enjoyed Rita’s undeniable ability to convey a story. She lived it and the ability to put it on paper is a gift. We all go through very similar stages when faced with devastation in our lives. Hers was to the degree I cannot imagine. I have passed the book along to my sister and plan on placing it in my church’s chapel library when she’s finished. I will certainly make people aware of the book’s presence.
February 27, 2026
Excellent book! A true understanding of the sacrifices and struggles of a family dealing with a special needs child. It gives an insight into this family’s commitment, hardships, joys and love throughout their years. It will make you smile, cry and feel a sense of closure. Recommend highly, a must read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews