When our first daughter was born-to our surprise-with Down syndrome, we were initially crushed. We buried the (selfish) dreams we had for her and looked toward the future with fear and uncertainty.

Sixteen years later, Cayla has taught us much more than we could have imagined. Not only are new dreams possible, but Alexa can be lazy, Ruth Bader Ginsberg biographies are captivating, and it's okay to sing so loud that people wonder what got into you. This is a memoir of one father's unpredictable parenting journey with a sometimes stubborn, sometimes sweet, and always spunky girl with a huge heart and no concern about a "ceiling" telling her what she should or shouldn't be able to accomplish.

The journey of parenting a child with special needs is paved with hardships and delays. For those sharing this road with us, may this story encourage you to see farther down the path toward the hope that lies ahead. But be warned: you may need to dig up dreams you once thought were buried for good.