What Happened to Normal?

by Lori Schur

Jessie's world implodes when her eight-year-old son is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This life-threatening, incurable illness sends Jessie reeling into a "new normal" that feels anything but normal. This sudden halt to life as she knew it leaves Jessie questioning everything she once believed in, from her faith to her friendships. Determined to raise her son to be strong and independent in the face of adversity, Jessie refuses to back down from the challenges forced upon her. Along the way, she discovers an inner strength and resolve she didn't know she possessed.

"Lori's novel does a wonderful job of describing what it is like to be a parent caring for a child with T1D. She describes the importance of community support and the ways families can get involved with organizations like Breakthrough T1D as they navigate diagnosis and day-to-day management. This is a truthful, honest read that is also hopeful and inspiring. We appreciate Lori's dedication, not only to her family and Breakthrough T1D, but to the entire type 1 diabetes community." - Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD, CEO, Breakthrough T1D

"This book isn't just about type one diabetes. It's about the depths of a mother's love, and how we can be the fiercest advocates for our children. And sometimes we need a tribe of women and mothers to help us see it through. I hope I would be lucky enough to be part of Jessie's tribe." - Megan Ritchie, Mom to Peri

"Lori captures the grief, uncertainty, growth and ultimate joy of a mom's journey through her child's type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Reading Jessie's story brought back all the emotions of my experience as the mom of a T1D and reminded me of the value of community when going through any kind of traumatic life event." - Jennifer Bennett, T1D Parent, Breakthrough T1D Volunteer

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Jenna Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a relatable book, whether you have kids or not. The aspects of family, friends and importance of community supporting through challenging times really hit home!!! Highly recommend!!

[Wendy G Nye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did a good job of sharing the complicated feelings moms of T1Ds feel and all the things constantly going through their minds. I appreciate the awareness and the author is a great writer. Quick read. Would be a great book for family and friends of parents of T1D to read to understand their experience.

[Alli White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book rates high for me, as it feels like everything I’ve loved over the past year. Overall, a great representation of how much T1D affects every aspect of our lives.