What A Way to Begin the New Year-5 MORE STARS!

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Fifth Child, December 30, 2013 By N.K.Beckley - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down. I felt for the reader and her family. Lynne and her family had so much courage and faith to go through this situation and I am so glad that they found the help they needed. This book is a must read for anyone in the same situation, and I hope they can find the same help that Lynne and her family did. It is a wonderful read and I cried along with her and her family as they went through it. Lynne you should be so proud of yourself. You did an excellent job on it.

Amazon Review-5 More Stars! Thank you!

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book even if you don't have your "own addict", December 28, 2013 By Travis Hofeldt - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) I read the sample of this book because Lynn Gassel is my husband's cousin's husband's mom (good luck mapping that out!) and I was hooked! As the parent of 3 kiddos around the same age as the author's 'Fifth Child' I gathered a lot of insight in parenting my own children. I admire the author for her truthful and often raw approach of telling her story. Although I have never had an addict in my life and pray my children won't ever have the disease, there were many lessons to learn and apply to my own life. Brady is a lucky boy to have such devoted parents!

Another "EXCELLENT READ!" Review...5-STARS...THANK YOU!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!, December 26, 2013 By Jacki - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) Wonderfully written! An open and honest account of a family's journey through what has become all too familiar for many grandparents today. Brady is truly a special gift, and proof that sometimes life's greatest blessings arise from the most tragic of circumstances. Thank you, Lynne, for sharing your story!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF 12 STEPS

These 12 steps can be for anyone. What a concept! 12 STEPS TO SELF CARE 1. If it feels wrong, don't do it 2. Say "exactly" what you mean 3. Don't be a people pleaser 4. Trust your instincts 5. Never speak baby about yourself 6. Never give up on your dreams 7. Don't be afraid to say "No" 8. Don't be afraid to say "Yes" 9. Be kind to yourself 10.Let go of what you can't control 11.Stay away from drama and negativity 12.LOVE

"COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN" 5-STAR REVIEW! THANK YOU!

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!, December 19, 2013 By Deborah Fogel - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback) Beautifully written story about a family's difficult journey through sorrow and hope. Couldn't put it down, this is a must read.

Sharing Without Shame

The Addict's Mom Sharing Without Shame G2G (grandparent 2 grandparent) is a wonderful group for grandparents raising their grandchildren. I am an administrator on the site and I can tell you that the support and sharing is incomparable. We're in a very unique role. So, if you share my position and are raising your child's child, please go to the link below and ask to be a member. You won't be sorry. https://www.facebook.com/groups/154033158118579/

2014

Happiest of holidays to everyone who celebrates and a Happy and Healthy 2014.

5 STARS-EXCELLENT READ!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!, December 17, 2013 By Joan M. Delaney - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback) What a heart-warming and inspirational story. Thank you Lynne for sharing your family's story with us. I'm sure it will provide hope and practical parenting advice for many folks in similar situations.

QUITE A YEAR

It's been quite a year for me professionally and personally. Professionally, I published my book (FIFTH CHILD), had a book-signing, published a magazine articles (SOBERWORLD), invited to be guest host on a radio show in January (COA RECOVERY RADIO), joined a website (THE ADDICT'S MOM), became an administrator (ADDICT'S MOM G2G -GRANDPARENTS 2 GRANDPARENTS), tripled my blog page views and continue to sell my books. THANK YOU!!! Personally, Brady's doing beautifully in 4th grade in public school but most of all, is so happy to be there. He had a great year in baseball and is too ecstatic doing Minecraft and is doing homework without argument. He began playing the viola and is loving his time with his cousins. He's a great kid! My family relationships are better than ever and that's made for a very happy end of the year. My older kids are doing well: Tracy's signed with a music agent to get her music on TV and in movies, Adam is very successful as a partner in his veterinary surgical hospital, Darcy continues to be lauded at her company, Josh's own recruiting business has had a huge year and Hazel's working hard in school and at her internship. Stu retired this last month. He's a happy camper feeling like every day is Sunday, while I'm getting better at it; not quite there yet, but working on it. We all look forward to a great 2014, spending more time with family, bringing more music into our home and staying healthy. I wish all my readers a wonderfully happy and healthy 2014.

5 MORE STARS! Thank you!

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for this book!, December 10, 2013 By C. Swain "CAS" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) Awesome book! Thank you for letting us share your journey and for being a light for other grandparents in the same situation!

5-STAR REVIEW...FOR ADDICTS TO READ

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Lynne., November 21, 2013 By Adele S "Adele S" - See all my reviews This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) Thank you Lynne for sharing this story. I could not put this book down. It was filled with emotion and for you to have shared this story is so amazing! It should be read by all addicts so they can see the absolute sadness it causes to all around them. I highly recommend reading this.

GIVING BACK

Sorry I haven't blogged lately. I was invited to be an Administrator for "THE ADDICT"S MOM -SHARING WITHOUT SHAME" -a website of over 6,000 members and growing at a rate of 100 members every 3 days. This site is supportive and loving and open to not only moms of addicts but for anyone who has been impacted by addiction at any time in their lives (recovering addicts included). We gain insight, learn from each other and find comfort and support. We even get a few laughs. My job is on an off-shoot site called "The Addict's Mom g2g" (g2g means grandparents to grandparents). It focuses on the grandparent raising their child's child because the natural parent suffers from the disease of addiction and incapable of properly parenting. I'd say this is right up my alley and I feel honored to be able to give back!

A FABULOUS READ on AMAZON

4.0 out of 5 stars Very inspirational!, December 1, 2013 By Jamie Bateman - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) I would recommend this book to anyone parenting young children. I saw a lot of my parenting skills in Lynne . Congratulations on a fabulous read!

A BOOK FOR ALL FAMILIES

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book For All Families, November 30, 2013 By alissa gould - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback) Incredibly compelling book. Couldn't put it down. Is a must read for all. It touches a part of everyone's life.

"RAISING BRADY" Article in SoberWorld Magazine-http://www.soberworld.com

Please go to the website and scroll down until you see CURRENT ISSUE and double click it. My article is on PAGE 22. It begins with Chapter 1 but goes into Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. I am honored to be in this magazine. It is not only a website magazine but the physical version is sent to many rehab centers and area schools to help others.

A MOST TOUCHING 5-STAR REVIEW...THANK YOU!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read!, November 21, 2013 By Shannon (PA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) A compelling and candid look into one family's struggle with addiction and how their strength and love for each other have helped them persevere. This true story is deeply moving and inspirational. You will cry, you will hope, you will fall in love with Brady, and you won't be able to put it down.

FIVE MORE AMAZON STARS...THANK YOU FOR YOUR IMPORTANT WORDS!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book well worth reading., November 21, 2013 By Sallye Zilberstein - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition) Even though you know the sad ending of the story, it was still a compelling read and I had trouble putting the book down. Lynn Gassel does a good job of telling a story that is all too common in our times. She is honest about not only her daughter's story but also her own. I thought I was old when I had my children at 35 and 37 years old and I can't imagine doing it again now that I am in my 60's. I have so much respect for grandparents all over that have stepped up to do the job that their own children were incapable of doing, for whatever reason. I would recommend this book to anyone because their story will touch your soul even if your life has taken a different path.

HUGE REQUEST BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

Many of my friends and family have read FIFTH CHILD and sent me glorious comments via e-mail and/or on Facebook. In order to take my book further, I need to have as many reviews as possible on AMAZON.COM and GOODREADS.COM. It's required by other online and walk-in bookstores. If you would be so kind to go to Amazon, type in Fifth Child, click the parenthesis around the number near the stars and click Create Your Own Review...even two words is sufficient, along with a star rating. I would truly appreciate this.

Letting Go

Since my book was published, I've received notes and comments from so many parents, especially moms of addicts, along with grandparents raising their grandchildren because of their child's addiction. It's such a painful place to be; wanting to help your addict child yet not enable. Letting go was the most difficult but most essential lesson I learned. It's not just for people dealing with addicted family members and friends but for dealing with people and challenges in every day life. This piece says it all. The author is unknown.

To let go doesn't mean to stop caring; it means I can't do it for someone else...To let go is not to cut myself off...It's the realization that I can't control another...To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. To let go is not to try and change or blame another. I can only change myself. To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own outcomes. To let go is not to be protective; it is to permit another to face reality. To let go is not to deny, but to accept. To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but to search out my own shortcomings and correct them. To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish the moment. To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be. To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. To let go is to fear less and love more.

After re-typing these words into my blog, I realize I still have a long way to go to master letting go. With my husband retiring on Friday and entering my daily space; I'd better master it quickly!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANOTHER 5-STAR AMAZON REVIEW!

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down, November 13, 2013

By 

K. Philip "Mad Mimi" (OH, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition)

This was a very well written book of a families journey through addiction and how it impacts all of the family members. I started reading it and couldn't put it down until I finished it at 3:00AM It was worth being tired all of the next day.I thought about it a lot over the past few days and that is always a sign of a good book to me. It made me incredibly sad and I really wished for a different ending, but this is the reality of addiction.It was a very honest book, and worth the time to read it.I love the way the human spirit lives on and can thrive again through the many different problems that have to be endured by a family in crisis.

AMAZON.COM PROMO until SAT., NOV. 16

FIFTH CHILD on Kindle/E-Book is now $6.99 on Amazon.com. Goes back to $9.99 on Nov. 17. Soft Cover is $15.15. GO FOR IT!

FINAL DAY -$4.99 PROMO FOR KINDLE/E-BOOK VERSION!

If you want to read FIFTH CHILD on your Kindle or E-Book for a LOW price, get it by midnight tonight on AMAZON.COM. After tonight, it goes to $6.99 and back to $9.99 on Nov. 16. Of course, you can always get the soft cover now $15.15 on Amazon. Where do they come up with these prices?!?

I AM TOUCHED BY THIS BOOK REVIEW!

https://www.twitter.com/lynnegassel5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and Moving, November 10, 2013

By 

Richard B. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition)

The author's honesty and clarity about her family's true life events, the deep love, sorrow, constant hope and equal disappointment are captured so well in this highly readable tragedy of one child's drug addiction. Fortunately, it is also a story of triumph over tragedy because of Lynne’s and Stu’s commitment to protect and love Brady without fail.

The author's prose and conversational style – her thoughtful way of telling her family’s story – really draws the reader in. With Lynne’s telling, I felt very involved in so much of the family dynamics, experiencing Lynne’s conflicted life, wanting Jaime to succeed, knowing the likely outcome, and worrying for young Brady’s future.

This tension between knowing that tragedy was ahead and wanting to know how Jaime and Brady will fare in succeeding days, kept me hooked. I found that once I started reading I was drawn in and quickly finished. Although, I never faced the challenges of addiction with my own kids, I found the book to be much broader in its appeal, especially in how parents try their best to make the right decisions for their children when, as most of us know, there is never a perfect answer.

Because the book so immerses the reader in the author’s deeply personal recollections, if you are a parent, the story is deeply “relatable” as it makes a very personal connection, and, while reading, brings to mind one’s own life raising kids, the mistakes, joys and tragedies. The book also reinforced my belief that most parents do their best for their children. Indeed, after raising two kids myself and recalling the many, many challenges, I honestly don't see how, in the context of the real-time events of daily life, Lynne and Stu could have loved Jaime more or done better as parents. And Brady, his gems of wisdom nicely placed to introduce each chapter, is indeed a lucky child to have such great parents.

I highly recommend this book and I am sure many parents will thank Lynne for writing such a touching and totally honest account of her family struggles.

7-DAY AMAZON.COM PROMO -2 more days @ $4.99

Kindle/E-Book Version of FIFTH CHILD is $4.99 for 2 more days. Nov. 13, it will be $6.99 and back to the regular $9.99 price on Nov. 16. Soft cover on Amazon is down to $15!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DO IT!!!! Readers are saying they can't put it down!

And the Addicts Keep Comin'

Addiction is increasing and killing our loved ones. Yes, we love them. Even though they are not the same people we loved before; we will forever love our walking dead, those who struggle to be alive and those who are no longer. The ache never ends but I wish this demon would. I am no longer impacted by addiction at this time in my life. However, since publishing my book, writing articles, responding on websites and speaking out; I have returned to the fold. Since becoming a member of "The Addict's Mom" and "The Addict's Mom g2g" (grandparent to grandparent), I am reading what these moms and grand moms are experiencing and feeling the pain I once felt when my daughter was alive and deep into her disease. I send hugs and love out to all of you who are still suffering.

FIFTH CHILD BOOK SIGNING -WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6 from 10-12 PM

Please join me at my first Book Signing at The Orange County Jewish Arts Festival Book Fair, Merage J.C.C., 1 Federation Way, Irvine 92603

Bring an already purchased book or purchase one at the Book Fair and I'll be happy to sign it for you. Of course, I'll love it if you want to come by just to say hello!

Unusual Places Make Me feel Grateful

There is nothing more gratifying then retuning to my former co-dependent group to share my experience, strength and hope. But even better were the former co-dependent friends who showed up for the meeting -a mini reunion of sorts. The last time we were together was about five years ago. Those Friday night meetings were/are so important for family recovery and helped us immeasurably when our kids were in the throws of addiction. Now, because of my book, this world has opened up again and I get to connect with new people who need to know they're not alone in their battle with their own kids', spouses or significant others' addiction. I am blessed to be in their company.

THE BEST REVIEW YET

5.0 out of 5 stars

A poignant story of parental love surmounting the devastation wrought by drugs ., October 20, 2013

By 

Winifred Morice "Motivational Nutritionist & ... (Torrance, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)

  

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

A riveting read, Fifth Child takes you through the indescribable tragedy of a family held captive by the heart wrenching manipulations of a drug addicted daughter and the resulting need to protect and raise her baby boy. Anyone who knows the insidious decay caused by drug addiction will be moved and strengthened by this blatantly honest and unvarnished true story. Told in a conversational style, as if being shared over a cup of coffee, Lynne Gassel bares her soul, so that others in a similar situation will most certainly be guided to recognize signs and to face realities that Lynne and her husband Stu, in their initial naivety were unable to see. You will laugh and you will cry; you will be educated; ultimately you will learn once again, that love, especially the love of warrior parents, does indeed conquer ALL.

!!! Calling All Grandparents Raising Grandchildren !!!

If you're also raising your child's child; I have a website just for us! It's private so only we see what we write. It's an off-shoot of "The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" called G2G. Every day, it seems there are new members and the numbers are quickly increasing. We all seem to share the same story. Like The Addict's Mom, this new site is just as supportive and welcoming AND it is geared specifically for us grandmother mothers (and grandfather fathers)!

JUST VENTING A BIT....

My husband, Stu is retiring in November (that's a whole other story about how I'm feeling about that!). Anyway, I retired from my job when Brady was an infant to take care of him so my daughter could work. Brady is now 9-1/2 and I'm his only mother -which I wouldn't trade for the world. Stu has worked hard our married life and gets to retire, which he definitely deserves.  He plans to play golf, take piano lessons, whatever he'd like. If I was truly retired, I could also do desired activities within reason and without explanation. But I can't because I have to get a babysitter to cover my time away. Stu will do it but with a schedule and restrictions. I want to audition for two overlapping shows because the parts in them are dream parts. That means I'm gone 3 -maybe 4- nights a week for a few months. If I was retired I'd have that freedom with no questions asked. But, I'm raising a child. Consequently, I have to lean on Stu if I want to "feel" retired. I'll be in this position until Brady's off to college. By then, there'll be no stage roles for someone that age. Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

WooHoo!!!!! FIVE MORE STARS! I'll take 'em!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fifth Child by Lynne R. Gassel, October 8, 2013

By 

abeseidman - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

A most interesting saga of what so many families are enduring in these modern times. It gives understanding to a problem that is plaguing our society. Recommend this reading to all so that your approach to people involved enables you to almost experience their deliberations. Definitely a must read.

May I Suggest, Again?

"The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" has an NEW additional site called "The Addict's Mom 911." Please check it out. It's an educational site with Podcasts, etc. by professionals. Being educated about this baffling horrific disease of addiction is so important. Please support the site whether you've been touched by this disease or not.

SAVE THE DATE IF YOU'RE IN OC

   I'm doing a Book Signing on Wednesday, October 30 from 10AM-NOON at the OC Jewish Arts Festival at Merage JCC, 1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA.
   The best part is I'm before the wonderful author, Naomi Ragen, who will be there to talk about her newest book at NOON.
   Please bring your already purchased book and I'll happily sign it or you can purchase one from me to be signed.

The Golden Years

What would I do if I was like other seniors my age?
* I'd have a glass of wine with my husband and leisurely discuss the day's events and worldly news. Instead, I'm discussing the regions of California for geography and helping to round off numbers for math.
* I could lazily sleep in during the week. Instead, I'm making breakfast, packing a lunch box and walking Brady to school.
* I'd be able to go out during the week as many times as I'd like. Instead, I have to make sure my husband's available and willing to stay home with our child, without him feeling I'm taking advantage.
* I could take off for a few days and go away with girlfriends without a second thought. Instead, I'm making sure he is off to school on time and that I'm back by mid-day to walk him home.
* I would go out with my husband on the weekend any time I wanted. Instead, I have to hire a sitter for a specific time or utilize Kids Night Out and schedule our date night accordingly.
* I could plan a romantic trip to Europe. Instead, I have to plan trips for three.
* I could quietly enjoy a game of Scrabble with my husband. Instead, I'm fighting off Nerf bullets and accessing video games on the computer.
* I would join an evening book club. Instead, I'm reading to Brady and having him read to me.

While I'm dreaming about all these "what ifs"; I hear the most beautiful heart-felt laughter coming from the other room. It's Brady. I wouldn't have that if I had these other things and I wouldn't want it any other way. These ARE the golden years. They're just glowing in a different way...

ANOTHER REVIEW...ANOTHER 5 STARS...YIPPEE!

5.0 out of 5 stars

A must read for addicts and non-addicts alike!, October 5, 2013

By 

Daniel Werlinsky - See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

This book is packed with emotion. I laughed, I cried, and many times I was in shock. I highly recommend this book to people who are addicts, so they can get an insight on how they affect the people that surround them, and themselves. Lynne R. Gassel makes herself completely vulnerable, while exposing all of the skeletons in her family's closets.

This is also a great book for parents to read in general! There are many learning experiences inside this book that are helpful for raising children. All in all, this is an excellent read and if you are debating on getting it, I suggest you buy it.

SO GRATEFUL!

I am so grateful to all my blog viewers. Since publishing my book and blogging more; I've more than doubled my page views. Thank you so much! It warms my heart that my work is appreciated. Your page views show me that. Thank you!

May I Suggest...

I've just come across a wonderful website for parents whose children are battling addiction. It's called "The Addict's Mom"-Sharing Without Shame. It is also for dad's, siblings, grandparents, family and friends who are close to someone with an addiction. It is a place to learn about other families and how they deal with addiction in their lives. It has focus groups, shares poetry, art and feelings. Mostly, it offers support, something families desperately need while dealing with an addicted loved one. Even though my drama no longer exists, I feel a responsibility to share my strength and experience and continue to learn and listen. No one ever knows what life will throw at them.

OH, BOY!!! FIVE MORE STARS & STELLAR REVIEW

5.0 out of 5 stars

Could NOT put this book down, September 29, 2013

By 

Yael Brudner - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

Fifth Child is a fascinating true story about one family's journey dealing with addiction. I read this book in a couple of days and couldn't put it down! The author Lynne Gassel has the unique ability to connect the reader to the characters as if they were part of the family...I cried and laughed and cried again! Thank you Lynne for sharing your amazing story with us.

CHAPTER SNIPPET

Missteps

I’m just trying to find a good ending.  –Brady, age 6                                                                                                         

Worried that Jaime would slip away in the night, neither of us slept well. Stu and I held onto each other tightly, hoping it would help us fall asleep, but I kept listening for the front door to open or the start of a car engine. Thankfully, the night was uneventful.

In the morning, we drove straight to the outpatient rehab facility located inside our local hospital. I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience, as I rode the empty elevator up to the floor labeled “Chemical Dependency Treatment.” I never imagined our family would be here and hoped I wouldn’t see anyone I knew. I didn’t want to have to explain anything, at least not yet. When we reached the front desk, the receptionist was very friendly and asked us if we’d like water or coffee while we waited.    I’d rather have a new life, I thought.

Thanks for Another 5-Star Amazon.com Review

5.0 out of 5 stars

Great Read, September 22, 2013

By 

Marikirby

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

Fifth Child by Lynne Gassel, is the first book by a new and very talented writer. I am so impressed with the writer’s ability to tell such a provocative and touching story. She is open and clear about her part in the life of her daughter and grandson (son). I sincerely hope she continues to write. She has a lot to say and the clear ability to say it.

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

Brady said to me the other night, "So, Mom, you're a singer, you're an artist and you're a writer. All you need now is to be a billionaire." I didn't have the heart to tell him those three talents do not make for a billionaire.

4 STARS FOR THIS 5-STAR REVIEW-WOW!

4.0 out of 5 stars

Fifth Child, September 21, 2013

By Sonya

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition)

This heart wrenching and emotionally charged story of a parents devastation and love is a must read. Their utter anguish and loss of their daughter is overwhelming yet their love for their grandson shines through. I found this book inspirational and could not put it down. Highly recommend it.

ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Important Story, September 22, 2013

By 

Sleepy Mom

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Kindle Edition)

I am unsure how to write a review to do this book justice. It is an important story about an actual nice American family impacted by addiction. It is an open and honest account of what happened to them and what is happening to many families but is usually kept private rather than shared. This story is not only riveting and heart wrenching, it is also helpful, informative and educational. It will impact how I parent my young children. It will impact how I will talk to them about drug experimentation and addiction now and in their later years. This story will also be inspiring and provide support to grandparents who have taken on similar challenges parenting their grandchildren as well.

TWO TESTIMONIALS on AMAZON

5.0 out of 5 stars

Thank you Lynne, September 15, 2013

By 

Shirley A. Ikenze (Vallejo, CA United States)

  

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

Wonderfully honest and well written. As a 60 year old licensed clinical social worker AND the grandparent parent of a bright and imaginative 4 year old, it is indeed both a challenge and a delight. Add to that, the sadness; when our little girl says,"I miss my mom and dad," whom she has not seen since she was 6 months old and whose mother, is my daughter. Lynne's honest emotions brought tears of joy and tears of sorrow of experiences that I know too well. Through her and her family's own pain, she is determined to make her Brady's childhood memorable. Because of you, Lynne, my experiences are given a voice and are publicly validated. Kahil Gibran says, "Our children come through us, not from us". Thank you, also, Brady, for all of your insight. Thank you, Lynne, for writing OUR story AND for writing it so well.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Finished the book in one sitting, September 15, 2013

By 

Judith M. Wachs "Judy Wachs" (Aptos, California, USA)

  

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

Even knowing the author personally didn't prepare me for the knock out prose and sheer honesty of the horror this family went through and the love of life and each other that they found at the end, Lynne. You really wrote a winning saga. I was overwhelmed with emotion.

IT'S READY and REVIEWS HAVE BEEN AMAZING!!! 

Readers say they can't put it down!

One family's turbulent path through unspeakable experiences and triumphant recovery!

You can order the soft-cover or Kindle or E-Book version on AMAZON.COM. Go to BOOKS and plug in MY NAME. It's also available directly from CreateSpace. https://www.createspace.com/4332245.

Must Be Doing Something Right!

Any day, I'll welcome waking up from a sound sleep when Brady walks into our bedroom and exclaims: " Mom and Dad, thanks for my awesome life!"

Open Eyes, Open Heart -It's Almost Mother's Day

It's been several months since I've blogged or worked on my book. During this emotionally charged time of moving into our new home, I seem to be changing.

For four years, my walls have been up about my daughter and her death. I couldn't embrace her even in death. Her 10 year bout with drugs, watching her go through a court-ordered rehab and then to experience her lying again shortly before her untimely death, froze my heart. It was too difficult to deal with her drama and keep a positive attitude while raising Brady. I chose to shut her out in life and in death. Perhaps the former was a mistake but the only way I could cope.

 I know intellectually that addiction/alcoholism is a disease that can be kept at bay with a solid 12-step program. However, lying must cease in order to keep the soul clean and stay sober. It was something my daughter couldn't do and why I was so scared when she lied to us, knowing that she probably wouldn't stay clean for long. It was almost a relief when she was taken. Of course, this thought perpetuated my guilt.

Recently, I've come face to face with the devil, again, concerning people who aren't directly in my life but who are part of my extended family. My Al-anon attitude towards them remains strong but I'm finding my heart softening towards my daughter. I wish she could have done better and I wish I had been a mother to her during her difficult time. Instead, I was a mother to her son. I wish I could have done both.

I just watched the movie, "Flight" and it opened my eyes. I could feel how baffling alcoholism and drug addiction is. I could feel my daughter's struggle. I was sorry for feeling so cold towards her when I thought about her drug-use and wreckage, instead of trying to embrace her goodness and sweetness that abundantly filled her soul when drugs weren't present. At least, I've been able to share the good things about Jaime with Brady. Perhaps, even in death, I can now be her mother. I miss her.

Catching Up in Only One Minute

I have exactly one minute to catch up before running Brady to his tennis lesson. I'm still on hiatus from writing but have been missing it terribly. We'll be in our newly remodeled home in less than two months. After setting in, I'll have more minutes to blog and to write. So please hold on and check back in May.