Dancing with Max

A Mother and Son who Broke Free 

by Emily Colson

Dancing with Max is the true story of Emily Colson and her son Max. Emily details her life as a single parent raising Max, an autistic child. Max, a beautiful baby, cried constantly and didn’t speak or develop normally. He shook with fear in new situations. When interrupted or thwarted in his activities, he flew into tantrums with no regard to where or when – in the mall, in church – anywhere.

Emily details her desperate and determined struggle to help Max understand life, not be fearful and learn to read and write. She describes a jumble of bureaucracy, and cold or negative medical and educational experts who were of little help. The school personnel failed to listen to Emily’s own insights about her son, held little hope for her son’s progress, and showed little warmth for Emily or Max.

Emily’s father is Chuck Colson, well known author, aide to President Nixon, and founder of Prison Fellowship. Chuck Colson writes a prologue and epilogue to the book giving his point of view on Emily and Max and telling how their relationship deepened through their trials and joys.

The relationship between grandfather, daughter and son is depicted with humor and warmth. This is a very personal, gripping true story revealing the gift that Max has given his family. Through years of trials Emily loves Max sacrificially and joyfully living one day at a time. She learns that Max is a gift from God.

Every parent should read this book. Certainly every parent of a special needs child should read it. It will give you a new appreciation for your own children and their amazing individuality, quirks and needs. It will teach you to love them sacrificially and hold them close to your heart. It will teach you that every child is a gift from God.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Blessings,

Dottie