When Rabbi Yeruchom Pitter, Mashgiach of the Mesivta of Long Beach, and his wife Rena, had their first child, 39 years ago, they were suddenly thrust into a strange, new world of medical terminology, emergency surgeries, and potentially overwhelming challenges. ôAs soon as the baby was born, I realized something was wrong. A team of nurses materialized and took her away.ö ôIs everything okay?ö my wife asked, through a haze of anxiety. ôEverythingÆs okay,ö the doctor began, ôexceptàö, but then I motioned to him to be quiet; that weÆd talk about it later. The last thing I wanted to do was burden my wife, whoÆd just given birth, with whatever it was the doctor had noticed. The whole exchange took a few seconds, but at that moment, I realized that our lives would be changed forever.ö

What follows is the remarkable journey of one family as it struggles with a daughter who suffers from a severe, life-debilitating condition. At once heart-wrenching as well as heart-warming, this riveting story of emunah and bitachon in practice, will leave you invigorated, uplifted, and inspired. From the author: ôThe more I came to know Chaya, the more I realized her simchas haÆchaim is genuine. She is no Pollyanna, making believe all is sunshine and roses. She and Elli face real challenges every single day.ö When I inquired, Chaya didnÆt see what the fuss was all about: ôI made a choice to be happy,ö she explained. ôIt was a no-brainer.What will I gain from being miserable? My life is so full and enriching. And besides, did you know that you use waaaaay more muscles when you frown than when you smile? So why bother?ö ôChayaÆs story has changed my life. I hope it changes yours.ö