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How do you find meaning in difficulty? This video trailer for the book, "Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity," by Andrew Solomon, shows some poignant vignettes of interviews with parents and children who were born "different." Solomon learns that although individual differences can be isolating, the fact of difference is universal. His other great discovery is joy - most of the families ended up being grateful for experiences they would have done anything to avoid.

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  •  
    jerryq

    This got to me toward the end..."I'm lucky too." I have absolutely nothing to complain about after watching this.

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    Marina Bertolino

    amore incondizionato.......mi ricorda l'uomo che schiaccia le mandorle di Italo Calvino

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    Anna-Marie

    The unconditional love the parents have for their beautiful children. It is a blessing to be gifted for a child others consider far from the tree. I have learned so much from my grandson who has Autism, his way is honest.

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    Leigh-Anne

    Each of us is unique!

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    Dominic Martello

    The book changed my life. I can't imagine anybody not being different after reading it, discovering a compassion they never dreamed possible. Andrew Solomon, along with the amazing people in his book, are heroes all. Thanks to all of them.

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    Ed

    The heroism (quiet heroism) of the parents.

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    nicola

    lovely to see such a vaierty of representations of "difference". Some i may wonder "oh thats not that different" but hey it shows that a difference is all of us and prehaps a ranking of judging. As a friend family or health profession or memebr of society having a motivation to understand gives strength and healing. Its just Beautiful. Thank you.

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    Kathleen

    The love and energy families share with the afflicted. The Positive attitudes of those who can regard themselves as whole. The patience and acceptance and richness of their lives because of their difference. I believe they are blessed because they have been called to pause their lives and decided to re-evaluate the importance of life as individuals in their relationships. They inspire me to follow.

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    Josie

    Our 'difficulties' aren't always medical or physical. Our minds, our perceptions create our reality. If we can learn to embrace the true meaning of 'unconditional love' there is no separation, there is no difference...we simply allow ourselves to BE LOVE.

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    Kristin Pedemonti

    Always Compassion and LOVE. Thank you for reminding us.

  •  
    Rod

    that love conquers all and the spirit if the human soul

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    Patty Poulin

    Unconditional love.... I will definitely read this book.

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    Karen

    I've already read this wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

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    Marc

    One of the most disturbing things anyone has ever suggested to me was when our doctors tried to push us to do do an amniocentesis because my wife was in her 30s. At least it was when I found that the purpose, despite the risks, was to determine if our child was Down syndrome. I looked the doctor straight in the eye and told him "it doesn't matter."

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    Jeanne

    I'm reading the book now, and learning so much. It was good to see some of the people telling their story - makes it all the more real.

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    Debby

    This video is full of love and heart!

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    Pascab

    It can be hard to manage the emotions one feels (good and bad) but in the end, when there is success or a little movement, the joy, love and pride one feels is overwhelming and special. Thanks for the reminder . . .

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    mom

    I am the parent of an adult with childhood onset of bipolar disorder. I lack the words to describe the intensity of the love I feel for my son, the respect for his ability to live his life with dignity, his compassion for others and his determination to move forward in spite of the medication side effects and the constant cycles he endures. I would never trade a moment of my life with him for a "normal" life time.

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    veroniek

    so good to see things in a different way..lovely thank you

  •  
    Jo

    Thankful that this book has come into our lives at this time....

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    devang

    the undeniable intensity that a parents love for the children has, is uncomparable..any parent with any kid ( ggod, bad, or otherwise) is a parent. period. love for children does not see normalities or abnormalities. It just loves. fully. with heart. With love. pure love.always. my personal best wishes to the author and the producers of this video for helping me relate to myself as a parent

  • Page 1

  • Learn more about the book and its author, Andrew Solomon.
  • Read this excerpt of Desmond Tutu's speech on "Our Glorious Diversity: Why We Should Celebrate Difference."
  • The next time you encounter someone who is different, try engaging with them through a lens of compassion rather than fear.

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