SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (PRWEB) June 13, 2017 -- Donna Jean Gerrier made a life-altering decision when she relocated from Toronto to care for her elderly parents who lived in a small prairie town where she grew up. Her compassion and the love for her family surmounted her fulfilling career as a speech language pathologist and her study and performance of classical opera. “Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family” (published by Balboa Press) is a story about sacrifice, responsibility and the compassion she had for her elderly parents. Gerrier believes children are responsible for the care of their parents, not the government, the nursing staff, or anyone else. Family looks after family at all costs. They are your flesh and blood.
The book conveys how a family came together to support each other in spite of horrific health care challenges related to the effects of a stroke, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both of Gerrier’s parents had a grand sense of humor and a positive outlook which contributed to the ease of being their caregiver. She shares her family’s story to help others who are also facing the responsibility of caring for a loved one.
“It is not wrong to care for elderly parents, whether in your home or theirs,” Gerrier points out. “I hope that the care of parents in a facility will become the absolute last recourse for families. I know in some situations placement of family members in a nursing home is the best resolution for everyone. However, my plea remains to let this decision be the very last prerogative. Caring for my parents was challenging at times but it was also a privilege. I am indebted to this experience because it taught me when I give to others it is really me who receives the gift.”
The Gerriers’ had a love of life. This attitude led them to seek non-traditional treatments for her father which enhanced his quality of living. He was able to travel to Las Vegas where he nearly lost his life. He ventured to Europe and was suspected of being a Russian spy. It was assumed Donna Jean and her father were husband and wife.
By sharing her story in “Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family,” Gerrier wishes readers will realize that if her family could accomplish what they set out to do, anything is possible for them also, if they persevere, believe and take the first step to accomplish their dreams. Gerrier declares we all have a dream hidden deep within our soul that is meant only for us to fulfill but one has to be brave enough to take that first step.
Sir Samwell, the family dog, played a major part in their lives. He was the rock of the family, their very best friend and always there to catch them if he could see they were going to fall. Gerrier is adamant “an animal touches you in a place deep within your soul where no human being can possibly reach or trod.”
“Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family”
By Donna Jean Gerrier
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9781452598802
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 520 pages | ISBN 9781452598789
E-Book | 520 pages | ISBN 9781452598796
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo Chapters Canada and Balboa Press
About the Author
Donna Jean Gerrier is a retired speech language pathologist and a classically-trained opera singer. She gave a recital, sang at Ottawa Opera and the chapel at the Crystal Cathedral in Los Angeles, California. She attended the London Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England. Her love of the performing arts was recognized when she received the Governor General’s Medal for classical singing. She also facilitates a pet-loss support group and is passionate to end violence towards animals and the empowerment of women throughout the world. Gerrier’s strong convictions and fierce determination assisted her to survive a near-fatal automobile accident. Following seven months in the hospital and two years of rehabilitation, she fought relentlessly not to be placed in a nursing home, and won the battle.
Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. – a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter.
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