Finding Mom: A Daughter's Rite of Passage

In Finding Mom: A Daughter's Rite of Passage, Dr. Nancy Hadley not only illustrates the universal issue that complex relationships exist between mothers and daughters, but expresses the emotional journey commonly involved in caring for an ailing parent. Dr. Hadley records her rite of passage as it happened during the six-year period of time that her mom suffered a tragic stroke and struggled through the aftermath of paralysis and loss of speech. Dr. Hadley shares what she learned through the process with insights such as: "It's ironic that the time in life when I communicated the most with my mom was when she was unable to speak. I wouldn't trade that for an equivalent amount of time locked in the communication patterns we maintained while she was able to speak." "I found Mom in the midst of losing her, gained strength in my most helpless moments, and discovered hope in discouraging circumstances. As I reflect on the irony, I see the wisdom of paradox, the logic of contradiction, and the balance in opposing forces." Dr. Hadley encourages others, "to dig deep into the faces of their loved ones, linger in the intimate moments, break out of routine responses, and seize the moment to communicate."