Perfectly Loved
Everyone has a plan on how to raise a child until the unthinkable happens, and it shakes the foundation of your world. The plans that were made around raising a ‘normal’ child ended quicker than they began.
In this transparent and honest lifestory, Ana Munoz shares her insights and faith in raising a daughter with Special Needs. Ana tells of the mountains that she has climbed to provide a world for her daughter that is filled with love and understanding.
Giving birth to her has taken her on unexpected journeys of all the unknowns. Her daughter’s life did not come with a manual, but it came with titbits of life lessons that she would not change in her world.
Ana shares the lessons she’s learned, perhaps the biggest being not to stereotype kids with special needs but to teach them that the sky is the limit. As she’s watched her daughter grow, she’s learned to celebrate the small beginnings. Small steps for others are big steps and even breakthroughs for her.
These big steps have opened immense doors of opportunities on the island of Kauai with her peers and the community. Ana’s hope in life is that her daughter knows that’s she is perfectly loved, and that she has positively impacted those around her.
It is time to come along on this journey with her. She will give you hope, strength and courage to live when you get hit with the unexpected.
Blessings to all and Mahalo!
Mariana's SuperHero
What happens when standing up for someone you love doesn’t go the way you expected? When a moment meant to protect turns into a challenge neither of them saw coming, siblings Mariana and Christian are thrust into a journey that changes everything.
As they navigate tough choices, new friendships, and the consequences of their actions, they begin to realize that true heroism isn’t about being the strongest or the fastest, it’s about compassion, courage, and doing what’s right even when it’s hard.
Through laughter, struggles, and heartfelt lessons, Mariana and Christian discover that every hero’s journey begins with a single act of love and sometimes, the greatest superpower of all is the bond they share.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ana has called Hawai‘i home for more than 35 years, raising her two sons and her daughter, Mariana, who was born with Down syndrome. The early years brought fear and uncertainty, but as Mariana grew, so did Ana’s strength. Through every challenge and breakthrough, she discovered purpose in understanding her daughter’s world and championing her potential.
After co-owning a restaurant for two decades, Ana stepped into a new calling as a habilitation assistant for adults with special needs. Her passion and courage helped create opportunities where few existed launching camps, clubs, Bible studies, creative sign dance, and even a prom, ensuring no one in the special needs community is overlooked.
Ana loves writing, crafting, being outdoors, and exploring new places. Above all, she hopes Mariana always knows she is perfectly loved. Her dream is to leave her daughter and her community with a legacy of living boldly, joyfully, and with unwavering courage.
What is Ana’s next Journey:
- Podcasts
- Special Needs Home Economics Workshops
- Turning my Book into Audible
- Translating Perfectly Loved in other languages
- Building a Special Needs Orphanage in Mexico
- Building an assisted living Community for special Needs adults
Each step reflects Ana’s heart: to serve, uplift, and expand possibilities for the special needs community. One journey at a time.