I recently had the pleasure of receiving a copy of a new book by author Leisa Hammett, From Heartache to Hope. This dramatic book chronicles the journeys of 18 autistic children and their Middle Tennessee families. At turns both heartwrenching and heartwarming, this coffee table style book is filled with lovely black and white photos that offer a glimpse into the many triumphs and defeats that these families have faced.
I have to admit, when I got this book, I think I expected a purely hopeful account of the work that is being done with autistic children. While there is certainly a signigicant amount of hope, the book also suggests the tremendous sacrifice and often depression that can go along with families living with autistic children.
-- Single mothers who are unable to hold down jobs because of their severely autistic child.
-- Agonizing accounts of finding out that a son will never live up to his father's dream of following in his pro sports footsteps.
But then, you'll find the story about the child who not only graduated high school but went on to graduate college and beyond. The vast range of degrees of the spectrum of the disorder are unbelievable.
Overall, the reading is simply riveting and the photos beautiful. My teenage daughters have enjoyed it, as well. The book is available via the link above.
Leisa also blogs here. You can read stories about her daughter Grace or about the recent flooding in Nashville, among other things. What a talent. Bet you enjoy her as much as I do.
Balanced Babe (Molly Wendland)
