Gifts From A Porcupine traces the struggles and successes resulting from the family's adoption of a young child from Bogota, Colombia. Discovery of multiple disabilities seriously challenged the family-particularly, the author as both parent and professional educator. The book, therefore, is divided into two perspectives: gifts of learning as a parent and gifts of learning as a professional. These lessons might benefit: * Couples adopting children with special needs * Parents and siblings of individuals with disabilities. * Educators and educational support staff * Professionals aiding dysfunctional families * Members of families with bipolar disorder This story gives promise to those seeking a positive outcome to a difficult journey.