If you are part of a 12-step program, like Alcoholics Anonymous, you are familiar with the Serenity Prayer. This prayer is an integral piece of many of their meetings. I belong to an Al-anon group which is for loved ones of people with addiction issues, and we say this prayer at many of our meetings.

This year after my husband passed away and I retired from my full-time job, I have had time to reflect on my life. I am learning to look at everything that happens as a lesson for me. The following story about my son, Alex, who is a 30-year-old man with Down syndrome, has been an opportunity for me to live the Serenity Prayer...