A Miracle Named Mark by Gregory S Hublar is a biography that follows the history and life of the author's older brother, Mark Hublar. The book begins with the backstory of the Hublar parents, Alfred, aka “Buddy”, and Linda, their earliest moments as husband and wife, their own childhoods and courtship, and the son, Mike, that followed quickly after being wed. It is when Linda gives birth to their second child that the Hublars' world is transformed. Mark, the beloved son they were so excited to bring into the world, was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, in a day and age where the addition of an extra chromosome had a different name altogether and the resources were as limited as the available therapies. The Hublars were committed to raising their son and found that all of the things that they had been told Mark would never do were misjudged and that Mark's capacity to love and his faith and fearlessness were leaps and bounds beyond any other person graced to walk the planet with him.

A Miracle Named Mark is written with and about love. Mark's younger brother, Gregory S Hublar, is able to provide context and clarity from a front-row seat. Greg writes of milestones that were as much his as they are Mark's, such as playing baseball on the same team. There are also less fondly remembered moments, such as Mark being struck by a car as he tested Greg's moped, and Mark being somewhat left behind as Mike, Greg, and Todd grew up and moved onward with their own lives. Mark's resoluteness in the life he saw for himself, one which mirrored the lives of his brothers, is documented through the words of the Hublar parents and what Greg witnessed himself. The book is written in a simple, unpolished narrative and mostly jumps from one success to the next. As someone who is also a sibling to a differently-abled brother, I could relate, and because of this, I was able to see the love woven through it. I have no doubt at all that for those who know Mark, and the generations of Hublars to follow, this biography will be treasured and as well-received as the man who inspired it himself.

On September 1, 1964, a young married couple from New Albany, Indiana received unforeseen news - their newborn son had Down Syndrome. During that era, the doctor’s recommendation was not unusual. He proposed the baby be placed in an institution for his lifetime. Buddy and Linda Hublar made a different decision; they were determined to raise Mark in their home and provide a life as normal as possible. Strengthened by their Catholic faith and enduring love for their family, they encouraged Mark to reach every goal. Mark’s older brother and two younger brothers also gave him every opportunity to be like them. In the memoir, A Miracle Named Mark: Based on the Actual Life of Mark J. Hublar, penned by brother Gregory Hublar, an amazing story is shared.

Although the memoir is positive, Greg also shares some of the struggles Mark experienced. It was difficult for him to live with his parents while his brothers went off to college and then married. But Mark found his independence with paid work, and now he is an advocate for persons with disabilities. The memoir is heartwarming, as well as giving readers a broader perspective on the need for respect and acceptance of people with disabilities. The role of the parents, and their decisions over the years, lay out a roadmap for other parents who have a child with a disability. Gregory Hublar captures the development of an incredible life in the memoir, A Miracle Named Mark. He also includes a number of resources for more information and helpful organizations. An interesting read!

A Miracle Named Mark by Gregory S. Hublar is a nonfiction, inspirational book that follows a couple’s journey with an unexpected event in their life. Buddy and Linda loved each other passionately and when they got the news that a second baby was on the way, they were more than thrilled and looked forward to making more babies. They were preparing to have a sibling to their firstborn, a second in line with the hope of more to come. But when the baby arrived, the words of the doctor shocked them: “Your son will never walk, he will never talk, He will never show any emotion …” But instead of being discouraged by the news and shattered, they relied on their love for each other and the power of their Christian faith, transforming their experience with Mark into a miracle that will speak deeply to many hearts.

Gregory S. Hublar’s book is deeply moving, infused with a love that is extraordinary, and it shows how what might appear as an obstacle in our quest for happiness can turn out to be the one thing in which we discover purpose, a deeper level of love, freedom, and the best of our humanity. The author provides interesting background information about the couple before the dramatically troubling birth of their child and then creates a powerful portrait of a family that grows on a single challenge. A Miracle Named Mark is not only inspiring; it is a story that redefines family, love, and the Christian concept of acceptance. I felt joy reading this book and it reminded me of my experience, many years ago, working in a home for the physically and mentally handicapped persons in my hometown. This book is a wonderful gift of love and faith and a powerful testimony that the most vulnerable ones among us have the power to transform us in ways we can never imagine.

A Miracle Named Mark — based on the actual Life of Mark J. Hublar — by Gregory S Hublar is a heartwarming tale of love, faith, and hope with strong lessons on parenting and acceptance, a story that is every bit as inspiring as it is entertaining. The couple, Alfred and Mary Hublar, awaits the birth of their second child with excitement. But when the doctor comes with shattering news, the last thing anyone expects is the reaction of the parents to this troubling news. They bring him home. This book tells the story of a boy who became a miracle and how his birth transformed the lives of the parents and the dynamics of this family. It is one of the stories with strong lessons on love and parenting, and the place faith has in the journey.

While this is a well-written book, the dramatic events taking place in it moved me to the very core. The writing is exceptionally good, at times lyrical, capturing the nature of the love between husband and wife and their journey towards having a second child. Gregory S Hublar shares the challenges the couple experiences after the birth of Mark and how he so quickly took a special place in not only their hearts but also in a world that expanded with their journey. A Miracle Named Mark is a story that celebrates life and proclaims the truth that its fragility makes life even more sacred. You’ll find tears rolling down your cheeks as you read this book and you will be irreversibly drawn into the world of the characters.

This amazing true story will make you both laugh and cry over the simplest things we often take for granted. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Beautiful example of believing in yourself and trusting God.