Finding: The story of a young boy who becomes his adoptive mothers's greatest spiritual teacher

by Kim Fuller

Two years before adopting seven-year-old Keydell from a group home for young boys, Kim made a vow
before the Dalai Lama to become a one who cultivates an enlightened mind, is free
from delusion, and practices kindness and compassion above all else. However, she struggles with this
practice as her new son's challenged mind sends him into fits of rage and violence, while seemingly
allowing him to feel no remorse for his actions.

His behaviors go against everything Kim believes in, but she is determined to keep her chocolate-eyed boy
safely in the home she has created with her husband and two biological children.
As she tries everything she can to get Keydell the help he needs, she must also learn to accept him
exactly as he a tiger in the home of elephants. 

This vulnerable and touching account highlights the interplay between desire and reality, denial
and acceptance, struggle and enlightenment. As the minds of this mother and her extraordinary son awaken -
Kim's through her Buddhist practice, and Keydell's through the science of neurofeedback -
we witness the power of love and compassion to overcome even the greatest odds.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2016

Reviews

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the amazing story of a family who chose to adopt a foster child and surround him with love. Although they all had the best of intentions, even a great and powerful journey can be a difficult and painful path to walk, and that was certainly true of this one. Kim, the author, is a patient and diligent practitioner of mindfulness and Buddhism, and her willingness to open herself up to her son's life lessons enabled her and her family to come through these difficult years successfully. I learned a lot about the foster care system and adoption process (in Rhode Island, but I'm sure it's not all that different in other states), and I was amazed and appalled at the lack of support for families of children with mental health challenges. This story shows how much we have to improve the social safety net if we are ever going to stop the school to prison pipeline and the inherent injustices for our children of color and low-income families. It also reminds At times it was a painful and difficult book to read, and I was so grateful that Kim's family - and especially her son, Keydell - were able to get the help they so desperately needed through finding great doctors and doing neurofeedback. Profound and recommended.

[Linda Carvelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of one woman's request for suffering to deepen her enormous amount of patience, dedication and compassion. So much wisdom is shared and my takeaway is to continue to find equanimity in my life through all of the ups and downs, the reality of impermanence, and the ability to sit with all of it rather than fight it. There is something to be learned from every facet of our lives.

[Dana Riveire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with this story on so many levels and appreciated the truthful and impassioned description of complicated parental love and devoting yourself to helping your child even when the path forward is unclear. A beautifully told story of love as it grows and develops.

[Ann Manzi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational book!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read. From the moment I started it I could not put it down. I loved Kim's open, honest and real portrayal of the challenges associated with raising a child who is not typical. She approached the story in such a real and raw way. I felt like she was truly opening up and sharing the complicated relationship of loving a child more than you can express while just being emotionally and physically exhausted by raising them. I loved the new perspective of approaching this challenge from a buddhist way of thinking. Kim gave such a true emotional account that this book was definite inspiration in the journey of finding ways to approach parenting a special child. It's particularly inspirational for special needs parents I believe because it is very easy to feel alone and judge yourself for where you feel you are lacking. However, I think this book will find a place in the hearts of everyone who has faced challenges whether coming from a child or other places in your life. It's a great example of facing a challenge head on and continuing to persevere and find new ways to approach it.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

What a thought provoking and inspiring read. A fascinating story of courageous love writ large. Everyone will find a piece of themselves in Kim's story. Couldn't put it down.