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Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me (Audiobook)
What would you do to defend your youngest sister or brother? This was the case with Teresa Heartchild and her loved ones. The fate of Teresa, a woman with Down Syndrome, is at the heart of her sister Franke James’ moving audiobook Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me. The rights of the disabled, the fight to preserve personal freedoms, and James’ determination to provide a fulfilling life are at the core of this exceptional memoir.
As an audiobook, Freeing Teresa ranks among the most unique in that it utilizes multiple narrators throughout. With a full cast of 13 actors, two of whom have Down Syndrome, this audiobook offers listeners an authentic experience worthy of multiple listens. Having a different narrator for each family member creates smooth transitions within dialogues and allows readers to more readily visualize scenes. James’ cast of actors helps emphasize some of the most harrowing times in the family’s life, breathing life into a story much less impactful with a single narrator.
Franke James does what many people are afraid to do–she stands strong in the face of every obstacle thrown her way as she tries desperately to do what is best for both her sister and her elderly father. When their futures hang in the balance and her siblings’ ideas of long-term care don’t meet Teresa’s needs and their parents’ wishes, she uses every tool at her disposal to ensure Teresa’s life will be filled with opportunity and growth for years to come.
The experience James shares in her incredibly detailed and heartfelt memoir is one from which countless families can benefit. Her focus on personal freedoms is a theme throughout the audiobook, and she makes it clear to listeners that they have options when it comes to the care of their loved ones. I more than appreciate James’ openness and her willingness to share the most vulnerable and painful time in her life with readers.
I am giving Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me, by Franke James, Teresa Heartchild, and Billiam James, a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. Readers looking for a touching memoir that offers invaluable advice on seeking long-term care and planning appropriately for the future will be hard-pressed to find a more lovingly written and thoughtful resource. I highly recommend this work of heart to anyone with a parent, sibling, or child who will ultimately face a portion of their lifetime without their family by their side.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0CJWXVFP3
Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me
Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me by Franke James is a powerful and deeply emotional account of familial conflict and the fight for autonomy. Franke James, a lifelong environmental activist, channels her compassion and determination into a new, more personal battle—one that involves her beloved sister, Teresa. Teresa, who has Down’s Syndrome, is placed in a facility for end-of-life care by their siblings, despite her protests. Against her will, she finds herself confined, her freedom stripped away. Franke, standing as her sole advocate, must now confront not only her own family but also the medical system and law enforcement, all of whom seem complicit in keeping Teresa imprisoned. Together, the sisters must face overwhelming odds if Teresa is ever to reclaim her independence.
This true account, written in a gripping narrative style, tells the story of love, loyalty, and resistance in the face of injustice. At its core, Freeing Teresa is about the bond between two sisters—Franke, fiercely protective, and Teresa, determined to live life on her own terms. Their relationship is touching, genuine, and filled with heart, making the story all the more compelling. However, this is also a deeply unsettling tale, as Franke exposes the cold indifference of their other siblings, who seem intent on ignoring Teresa’s wishes, viewing her condition as justification for stripping away her autonomy.
The book highlights the troubling ease with which authority figures—police, medical professionals, and caregivers—dismiss the desires of individuals with disabilities. Teresa’s battle for the right to live in a way that reflects her own choices becomes a larger critique of a system that too often prioritizes convenience over compassion. With her siblings’ tacit approval, these authorities confine Teresa, ignoring her pleas. James deftly draws readers into Teresa’s frustration and despair, making it easy to empathize with her plight. It’s a sobering reflection on how those with disabilities can be silenced and marginalized, even by those who should be their closest protectors.
What sets Freeing Teresa apart is its emotional intensity. Family disputes are never easy, but the stakes here feel especially high. The cruelty Teresa endures is heart-wrenching, and the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of sibling relationships. Yet, amidst the darkness, the love between Franke and Teresa shines brightly. This bond is the heart of the book, offering hope and resilience even in the face of adversity.
Freeing Teresa is a testament to the power of love and advocacy. Teresa’s fight for freedom is Franke’s fight, too, and through their shared journey, readers are reminded of the importance of standing up for those whose voices are too often drowned out.
Pages: 344 | ISBN: 1999406109
Living a Fulfilling Life
My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis is your memoir and call to action for accessibility and inclusivity after receiving your diagnosis of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA). Why was this an important book for you to write?
There are a few reasons, but I’ll stick to two:
I wanted to show a positive representation of living with a disability. For too long, it’s been described as a tragedy and something that needs to be fixed. But that is not always the case. Being disabled has its challenges, no doubt, but living a fulfilling life is possible.
Secondly, I wanted to show people going through similar things that they are not alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some ideas include that the ability to walk does not equal happiness, and disabled people have value and are capable.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
The neurologist who diagnosed me told me not to let FA stop me from doing what I had planned with my life.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Living a fulfilling life with a disability is possible, and don’t assume disabled people aren’t intelligent or capable to do a job.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Jennifer Gasner is seventeen when her dreams are shattered overnight.
Receiving a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, means she must prepare herself for a life of loss. When she starts college, she can still walk on her own, but as her disease progresses, she spirals further into sadness, denial, and alienation. She turns to alcohol and a toxic relationship to distract her from what she refuses to accept—that her body, her self-esteem, and her hope for her future are failing.
When Jennifer develops a friendship with rock star Dave Matthews, her outlook changes. She begins to understand that using a wheelchair doesn’t mean her life is over. In fact, when she discovers disability culture, she realizes it’s not her body that needs to be fixed but her assumptions about being disabled.
In her captivating memoir, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, Jennifer invites you into her world, where she must learn to view her changing body with compassion and choose gratitude over anger as she finds strength and acceptance in a whole new way of moving through life.
My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis
Jennifer Gasner’s memoir, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, offers a poignant and insightful portrayal of her life after being diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at seventeen. Gasner’s narrative transcends the usual scope of disability literature by delving into the dynamics of her relationships and how others’ actions profoundly affected her life, presenting a multifaceted view of her experiences. The book addresses the complexities Gasner faced in accepting her diminishing physical abilities and seeking fulfillment in her academic and professional endeavors. She confronts the daunting reality of her shortened life expectancy, which adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to her story. Her resilience and unyielding spirit shine through as she encounters societal biases and misconceptions about disability.
A particularly revealing part of the memoir occurs during a routine medical examination. Gasner highlights the discrimination faced by disabled individuals through her interaction with a doctor who prioritizes their convenience over her medical needs. This incident, among others, reflects the broader societal challenges and misunderstandings about disability, including occasional oversights by her otherwise supportive family. Gasner’s writing is characterized by its candidness and emotional depth. She shares her fears, aspirations, and frustrations, allowing readers to connect deeply with her journey. Her successes and eventual acceptance of her life’s new path are marked by a sense of positivity and determination. Central to the memoir is Gasner’s advocacy for accessibility and inclusivity.
My Unexpected Life emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating people with disabilities. It invites readers to reflect on their actions and the imperative of cultivating a world that values and embraces the diversity of human experiences. This memoir is not just an account of Gasner’s life; it’s a call to action for societal change and greater empathy toward individuals with disabilities.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0CCGDLL16
Heart to Heart Resuscitation – A Memoir
The transition from the battlefield to civilian life is often a tumultuous journey for war veterans. Heart to Heart Resuscitation, by Vic Montgomery III, explores this delicate subject through the lens of the Montgomery Model of heart-to-heart resuscitation. This innovative approach is designed to aid veterans in healing from the deep-seated trauma and mental anguish often experienced post-service. The book delves into the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance dependency, and the broad spectrum of mental health challenges that many veterans face upon returning home.
Montgomery’s passionate advocacy for heart-to-heart resuscitation is a testament to his commitment to restoring the lives of those who have served. His method, which emphasizes counseling from the heart and the power of storytelling, is both unique and commendable. The author’s dedication to working with individuals struggling with chemical dependencies and severe mental health issues reflects a deep understanding and respect for the sacrifices made by military personnel. While the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, it also offers a message of hope and recovery. Montgomery’s work is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for renewal even after the most harrowing experiences. This book is not only a valuable resource for veterans and their families but also for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of war on the human psyche.
In Heart to Heart Resuscitation, Vic Montgomery III emerges as a compassionate figure dedicated to the noble cause of healing and supporting those who have endured the unthinkable. His work serves as a reminder of the ongoing support needed by veterans as they navigate the challenging path back to civilian life. The book is well-crafted, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of those who have served, making it a recommended read for a broad audience.
Pages: 278 | ASIN : B0CN7BLCHG
LITERARY TITAN 