Stand, Walk Run Free: Overcoming Expecations of a Perfect Life

A life-affirming and touching story destined to reach into the hearts of women - and parents - everywhere.

Marriage to her handsome prince, beautiful children, and a loving family - these are all the things Connie Morgan dreamed of as she grew up. Until one day, a doctor bungled a routine delivery and shattered those dreams. The reality of a brain-injured child turned Connie's cherished expectations into endless doctor visits, home therapy programs, a marital stonewall and round-the-clock special care. It happened to Connie. It could happen to anyone.

Even in her brokenness, Connie realized the special gift of her disabled child. And now, after raising two healthy sons, coping with a painful divorce and starting her own business, Connie tells her story. In the pursuit of a perfect life she discovered the one thing that will always bring her happiness. Touching, tragic, heart-breaking, compelling, and supremely inspiring, it is a story of love that transcends all obstacles and demonstrates the indestructible power of the human spirit. It is one woman's story...and every woman's story.

As a young, first-time mother, Connie Morgan endured her sadness and overwhelming fear without the benefits of the experience and maturity that come with parenting. Her dreams were shattered and her expectations for a perfect life were forever altered. When the painful and heartbreaking calamities hit hard, she armed herself with love and determination to face these enormous challenges. Through her experiences with her disabled son, Chris, she realized the true purpose of living.

Connie Morgan grew up in Goodland, Kansas. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from Kansas State University, she later earned a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Denver.

As Social Services coordinator for Hope Center, Connie supervised financial and educational services for developmentally disabled students. She served on the Board of Directors of Denver Developmental Services, which focused on residential alternative programs. As a primary participant in fund-raising, Connie’s efforts helped secure a five-acre site in Chatsworth, California, for a model residential facility where Chris became a resident.