Raising James

Elizabeth Anderson wanted to be a mother with all her heart. When she finally got her wish, it sent her down a path of immense grief and intense frustration. It also introduced her to the greatest joy she had ever known. She and her son, James, went through surprising diagnoses, a shocking death, and more in their shared journey.

It began when Beth and her husband, Jim, brought tiny baby James home. It soon became obvious that raising James would present its own unique challenges. James was diagnosed early with bipolar disorder and struggled with self-destructive tendencies and violent behaviors.

When Jim was killed in the line of duty as a police officer, Beth didn't know how she would pick up the pieces of her life. Nevertheless, she found new adventures and a new family just over the horizon.

Beth and James' story will strike a chord with any parent of a child struggling with mental-health challenges. Beth hopes that her work will give you inspiration and encouragement. She knows that you may be frustrated with social systems that often fail special-needs children, but she assures you, with perseverance and faith, there are better days ahead.