Living Without Words

Living Without Words is the story of the loving, profoundly intimate relationship that grows as a lesbian daughter cares for her mother during the twenty months her mother lives after the stroke that deprived her of speech. The memoir is honest about the difficulties that arise as a family tries to cope with such a devastating event. Yet mother and daughter find joy and inspiration in the midst of great sadness. The memoir's message is: when a parent is dying, stay close no...
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Living Without Words is the story of the loving, profoundly intimate relationship that grows as a lesbian daughter cares for her mother during the twenty months her mother lives after the stroke that deprived her of speech. The memoir is honest about the difficulties that arise as a family tries to cope with such a devastating event. Yet mother and daughter find joy and inspiration in the midst of great sadness. The memoir's message is: when a parent is dying, stay close no matter what the challenges.

Readers have commented:

"I feel like I have been living with you, your sister, your mom and dad, for a few weeks. Just completed and full of tears and the deep appreciation for your persistence in writing and publishing this tender, vulnerable, brave story... As one who works with elders intimately, I thank you for your detailed and transparent story of the realities of a life after stroke."

- - - Joan Lohman, elder care body worker

"I read this memoir with great interest during the last weeks of my mother-in-law's life. So much of what you wrote resonated with what we went through, though your situation was, of course, unique. You were with your mother so lovingly, so respectfully. It was an honor to learn about your mother and your journey with her through your book."

- - - Lois Rosen, poet

"What a bodhisattva you are! Your book will be a support to people going through similar experiences, and there are many these days. Your writing describes the situations in such down-to-earth, yet very compassionate ways. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your life with me."

- - -Kamala Masters, Buddhist teacher

"Your book is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I wept many times while reading it, but I always had a warm glow to offset the tears."

- - - Sheila Woody, psychologist

Living Without Words is absolutely poignantly beautiful. What a remarkable and deeply loving tribute to your beloved mother. I'm sure somewhere she is smiling."

- - - Sharon Reed, psychotherapist