To The Cross I Cling: A Mother's Reflections on Walking Through A Child's Disability Diagnosis

by Laura Wifler

No matter if there have been years of questions, or it happens overnight, no parent is prepared to hear their child has a disability And as the diagnosis comes, so does a watershed of pain, loneliness, questions, and grief.

Laura Wifler knows what it's like. Three weeks after her daughter was diagnosed with Rare Chromosome Disease, Laura began publicly chronicling her journey as a parent walking through the grief of disability. Like an open diary, Laura's posts resonated with parents of children with disabilities, as they felt seen, heard, and understood through her entries.

Discover in this book a curated collection of Laura's writings that will point you to the true hope and help found in the gospel, while also being authentic to the sorrow and pain of a mother's love for her child. The journey of being a parent to a child with a disability is hard, but God has not forgotten you. To the cross we cling.

Genres: Nonfiction

108 pages, Hardcover

Published November 30, 2025

About the author

Laura Wifler is a writer, poet, and author based in central Iowa. She has authored multiple bestselling, award-winning books for children, including, "Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer," and "Like Me," and is the co-author of the bestselling Risen Motherhood book. She is also the founder of The KidLit Lab, where she helps aspiring and published authors write books children will read again and again.  You can find her on laurawifler.com or @laurawifler on Instagram. 

Reviews

[Samantha Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. As a parent of a child with very complex medical needs, I found myself nodding in agreement throughout the book.

It's short and has many encouraging little "oh you too? I thought I was the only one" moments.

This is a great quick read for any parent raising a child with special needs but is also a great quick read for any friend/loved one of a parent of a child with special needs. It gives you some insight into the daily grief that they experience, the longing for and promise of heaven that they cling to, along with thoughtful ways you can support them/things you can say/ask/teach your own children.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this collection of posts slowly, often through tears. This was a beautifully vulnerable glimpse of the early part of a mom’s journey with her daughter who has disabilities. She shared about her grief, her questions, navigating siblings and other’s questions and comments.

I resonated with much of what she said and felt, although not all. I loved the way she courageously connected deep truths about God and faith in these vulnerable parts.

I would highly recommend this for parents of children with disabilities of course, but also absolutely anyone. This book was really impactful with such comforting truths and reminders that I anticipate reading it over and over.

[Chantelle Vanderveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any parent of a child with disabilities! Or anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding to support a parent/family in their life. It was very cathartic + encouraging to read. She writes so beautifully + I really appreciated her gospel lens throughout. I know I'll be reaching for this one again.

[Allie Morquecho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Laura’s writings. She has such a way with words. While I don’t have a child with disabilities, it was still an impactful read. Cried many times. And I love the easy format, it’s a lot of posts and writings that she put on her social media, so short snippets to read and gain great insight on the life of parents who has kids with disabilities, and how to move toward them and their children with compassion. Super quick and easy read!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a mama to a differently abled child I highly recommend this book! It is such an encouragement. I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend that totally gets it! It is also a great resource for knowing how to support and encourage others in your life that might be walking this path!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and timely for me. Always appreciate finding resources on disability written from a thoroughly Biblical perspective.

[Larkin Jacobus · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom to a child with disabilities, I have never felt more seen, understood, or encouraged by a book than this one. Laura’s perspective is realistic yet hopeful, always pointing toward Jesus. I will certainly be reading it again, maybe even yearly, and gifting to other mom friends who have kiddos with disabilities!

[Tara-Lee Oostenbrug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Laura Wifler’s writing. I appreciated her sharing her perspectives and journey of life with a child with disabilities! Loved the end appendix that gave advice on ways to walk alongside families who have children with disabilities too.

[Safari Spell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly incredible faith and poignant, succinct writing!

[Jess Etheridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciate Laura’s voice and vulnerability as a mother of a daughter with a rare syndrome. She captures the complexity of joy and grief so well.

[Scott McMenemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply, deeply helpful.

[Jason Kuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and touching read. I appreciated how she brought biblical truths and the challenges of disability together in a very sensitive and meaningful way.

[Alyssa Lago · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, cried through almost every page. Very helpful for anyone who has a child with a medical need/disability.

[Anna || annareadsnshares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides the Bible, I can’t think of a book I’ve wept more over!

Each morning I’d read one entry after I read my Bible, and each morning the tears would flow. I’d found a “friend” and kindred spirit - someone who gets this kind of grief and heart-wrenching questions.

As I read Laura's writings, Her words offered me great comfort and compassion, and it was like we were crying together, pouring our hearts out for our children and families. I am not alone in my sorrow, in grappling with the shattered dreams for my daughter that will never come true. I felt a sense of gratitude for her words and the sense of community they provided.

I recommend this book to all Mamas who have a child with disabilities, as well as to anyone who is walking alongside families in similar situations. It is a must-read for those seeking insight and understanding into the unique challenges and emotions experienced by these families.

[Julie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of Laura Wifler's Instagram posts and thoughts on raising a child with special needs. There were some that resonated deeply with the journey we have been on. It is nice to see more Christians talking about the struggle of parenting medically involved children.

[Hannah Paugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly highly recommend