Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins

Sometimes our best teachers are the ones we least expect.

When Patti Smith’s first child was born with Down syndrome, her world shifted overnight. What began as fear and uncertainty became a lifelong education in love, patience, and the power of perspective. Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins is the heartwarming true story of how one remarkable son became his mother’s greatest teacher.

Told through 24 unforgettable “lessons,” this deeply moving narrative reveals how life’s biggest challenges can become our most profound teachers. From moments of heartbreak to bursts of humor and joy, Patti shares how her son Christopher, affectionately known as “Professor Higgins”, transformed her understanding of success, purpose, and unconditional love.

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