WHEN LIFE DOESN'T SEEM FAIR

Bruce and Joyce Erickson

Shortly before Christmas, Joyce was horrified when she saw Mark posture his hands like Cindy and Heather. No, it couldn't be! Perhaps she was wrong. But she wasn't. The little boy who jumped, crawled, and made others laugh would become handicapped! There would be no hiking, fishing, or camping with our son-- only another wheelchair to push. It just wasn't fair.

Learning a child is disabled can be devastating for any parent, but for Bruce and Joyce Erickson this news came not once but three times. Their six children all were born healthy, but two infant daughters and a son each developed a mysterious disorder that left them completely dependent, unable to perform even the most menial of tasks.

As the Ericksons confronted the challenges of caring for their children, as well as additional hardships, many questions were raised: Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Why do bad things happen even when one is living righteously? How can peace be found in the midst of over- whelming adversity? In forthright terms this book details Bruce and Joyce's struggle to understand the questions common to anyone who meets with adversity. Their ex- perience is presented here from two perspectives, first Joyce's and then Bruce's. Included are words of the Brethren that brought the Ericksons much-needed comfort, and also a story familiar to many Church members--the story of little Heather Erickson, who was unable to speak but nevertheless communicated her testimony that "Jesus, listening, can hear."

The insights and principles the Ericksons learned can be applied to adversity on almost any scale. Poi- gnant, inspiring, and faith-affirming, When Life Doesn't Seem Fair witnesses that even the most troubled hearts can find peace through the power of the gospel.

About the Authors

Bruce and Joyce Erickson met while attending Brigham Young University, where Bruce studied electrical engineering and Joyce studied physical education and English. Following their graduation from BYU, Bruce served in the Air Force and was stationed at bases in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Riverside, California. He is currently a group officer for a computer graphics company in Utah. Joyce has written and published several articles, one of which appeared in Latter-day Woman magazine. Bruce and Joyce have been active in community affairs and have served in numerous Church positions. For eight years Bruce was a Centerville city councilman. He has held callings in a bishopric and as a member of a high council. Joyce has taught Relief Society classes and adult Sunday School courses. The family resides in Centerville, Utah.

Jacket photo by Bob Barbour, Tony Stone Images Graphics by Brent Christison

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