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The Shouted Goodbye
When Jeremy Ward’s first child, Mena, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of eight months, he and Mena’s mother, Margaret, soon realised that their world had changed forever. Their comfortable expectation of life as new parents was pushed aside as they found themselves fighting for Mena’s right to attend her local school. Rejecting what was on offer from traditional disability services, they found themselves entering the world of small business to create Mena a job, and seeking the support from family and friends as they responded to her wish to move out of the family home when she was nineteen. Told with humour and candour, The Shouted Goodbye tells the story of how one family embraced their particular experience of parenthood, leading them down a path of political activism, advocacy, struggle and community connection to build a rich and meaningful life for their first child.Moving, inspiring and informative. Threaded through this very personal memoir of raising a daughter with a disability is a practical story of the steps taken to achieve a rich life for her. Going to the local school, getting a job, having her own home and small business, finding housemates and friends are all described in this book. Such ordinary things that can be extraordinary for people who have a disability. This book made me laugh and cry but mostly it reminded me of the power of love and the power of people coming together.Margaret RodgersCEO Community Resource Unit, Brisbane.
222 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 22, 2023
Absolutely adore this book from start to finish! This book provided perspective and inspiration with a step by step overview throughout Jeremy Wards journey as a parent of someone with a disability.
This book made me a smile and cry as I attempted to relate to the incomparable difficulties of life. I was asked to complete this book for University studies and was unable to put it down. My assessment is looking at the environmental barriers Mena encountered which unfortunately aren’t challenging to find. I’m sure Mena’s parents have been complimented many times by the large support network they have on what amazing parents they are but it would never be an adequate amount in my opinion. 10/10
This book made me a smile and cry as I attempted to relate to the incomparable difficulties of life. I was asked to complete this book for University studies and was unable to put it down. My assessment is looking at the environmental barriers Mena encountered which unfortunately aren’t challenging to find. I’m sure Mena’s parents have been complimented many times by the large support network they have on what amazing parents they are but it would never be an adequate amount in my opinion. 10/10
Displaying 1 of 1 review