Hey Mandi, I so get it friend. Hopefully you took away something of value from the post anyway. And there have definitely been times in my life when I was unable to take on additional pain or suffering. Many times. Often what we have on our own plates is more than enough. I remember right after Hudson was born with a surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome, the book “Unbroken” was just coming out. And everyone I knew was reading it and telling me what a fascinating read it was. And I’d heard about the terrible torture Louis had endured in the concentration camps, and I just knew I couldn’t take that on then. I wasn’t in a frame of mind to enter someone else’s suffering, I had to get through my own stuff. The interesting thing is, I’ve STILL not read the book, though I did see the movie. Wishing you a wonderful Easter Mandi, you’re all set with those adorable chicks!

Glad you didn’t spoil it for yourself Cheyanne, it’s a good and poignant read my friend. You and Boy have a wonderful Easter, wherever you are, whatever you do. xo

Hi Carina, you were so brave to come along on this book reading journey. I know it was such a hard read. I didn’t know how hard until I got into it myself. I agree, it was uplifting in that it had a positive outcome and that he found his place. And yet, to hear of the cruelty and abuse. I truly don’t understand how anyone could be that harsh and cruel. I stopped reading it for a while too. I wondered how I could keep reading. And the fact is, that he actually LIVED it. I am so glad he told his story too. When choosing the title of this post I did a search through google to find out how many times his name has been searched, and it’s amazing how many times — thousands and thousands. I know his sharing his story is making a difference in the world. He’s a brave man to tell his painful story, because just in the writing and talking it through, he had to re-live that nightmare. And that must have been excruciating. I wish he and Joanna all the happiness in the world. I too will always remember the amazing lessons from this book. In the TED talk he says, “They say actions speak louder than words. But do they?” That, coming from someone who couldn’t communicate for many many years, made me think really really hard. Thanks for your insightful comments Carina, I loved hearing what you had to say and it was great to connect over the miles on this poignant read. Hope you and your family have a wonderful week, friend. XO

Dear Auntie M – it was quite a read and thanks for coming along on this journey. I had to put the book down a few times and come back later, it was that painful. Everything you said about Martin resonates so deeply with me too. I’m amazed at his incredible communication skills. For one who was left “in the dark” for so many years, he’s truly a miracle. I respect him so much for choosing to forgive. We had a live book discussion at church last Saturday morning on Ghost Boy, and it was really cathartic to be able to talk this book through with other women. XO

Hi Susie, thanks for coming along on this ride. I was so glad my friend Lori just happened to randomly mention the TED talk the other day so I could include it here – I loved seeing Martin and hearing him speak. I think the TED talk was from about six months ago if I remember correctly. Yeah, I loved seeing him smile at Joanna’s name too. After all he’s been through, it’s wonderful to see him get snatches of joy and happiness. What a gift. He really made me think when he said “They say that actions speak louder than. But do they?” It means something coming from someone who couldn’t communicate for many years. Love you Susie, have a great week!

Hi RuthAnne, you and Herb sure do stay busy! Glad to hear of all your exciting plans and that Alyson is graduating and getting married this summer. Sounds wonderful. Love to all!

Thanks for coming along for the ride Aunt Pinkie. It was quite a read, wasn’t it. I don’t regret reading it, but it was so hard to hear of his pain and suffering. What I didn’t mention in this post and I should have, was that there were many kind and wonderful caregivers along the way. At one point Martin says there were more good and kind people than there were not. So that is a bright spot. It’s just that the bad ones were so awful.

Dear Shashi, thanks so much for taking the time to read this post, friend. I know you read blogs ALL WEEK LONG, truly sweet of you to drop by on the weekend. It’s a hard read, but one of the most amazing things Martin says is that he lived a life of mostly fantasy just to keep sane and occupy his mind. But the only thing he knew was really real, was God. He says God was his constant companion. His family believed in God, but they apparently never attended church. It’s fascinating to hear how Martin trusted God in his darkest moments that lasted for many years. I promise it will be a very hard read, but I don’t think you’ll regret it. I’m a different person after reading it. I’m so happy that Martin and Joanna have each other. I’m so glad he can finally have some happiness here on earth. Yeah, I cried about that stranger smiling at him in the car too. We just have no idea the life impact we can have on others without even knowing it. My grandfather had a stroke shortly after my second little boy was born back in 2001, when we were still living in SC. I flew up to CT be with him for a while, and baby Jacob came with me. At this point my grandfather was non-verbal, and I was chatting with him and changed little Jacob’s diaper on the end of the bed. My grandfather, who hadn’t spoken in some time, said “no clothes, no clothes”, and apparently those were the last words he ever spoke. Seeing your dad unable to communicate must have been so hard, friend. He was blessed to have a sweet daughter like you. Have a wonderful week! xo