About four weeks until the actual book release, and yet the most amazing gifts have been coming my way in the form of e-mails, on-line reviews, and blog comments from those who have already read it, via pre-order.  These reactions warm my heart, and bring tears to my eyes – because they resonate so much with the reasons I felt the story had to be told.

Meanwhile, my Ben has actually asked to hear a bit from the book. First time ever. I think he is starting to accept that it can be of help to others. The road to this acceptance is his journey to take, at his speed. Locally, some people have slipped on occasion and called him “Ben” – which is not his real name – and he laughed about it. Whew. Trying to honor his privacy, and also keep the door open. He did give me permission to write this memoir, as long as it was clearly from my perspective (which it is) – but I’m still releived to see that he still seems supportive of it, even now that it is real: a book you can hold in your hands.

Among the comments:

“It truly is extraordinary. Your writing style is fresh, captivating and riveting. Your vulnerability is inspiring and wonderfully raw. As
someone who has been immersed professionally and personally in the world of mental illness, thank you.”

“I find your book a miracle of persistence, strength and love. It is a great book, in particular, I think, to give a view of what parents go through.”

“I just finished reading this book for a review…. I just wanted to say that I am both incredibly overwhelmed and in awe of your strength and your family’s. I fell in love with Ben through the story; felt the sorrow, the fear, the pain, the anger… I am so blessedly thankful I get to have a chance to share this story with all of our readers.” Continue reading Touching lives, opening eyes…hopes for the book →