“Finding My Father: A Search for the Truth in the Face of Alzheimer’s” by Holly E. Gaskin ~ A Review

I met this author, Holly E. Gaskin for the first time at Froggy 97. Froggy 97 is a country radio station in Watertown, New York. Froggy listeners know Holly as “Cricket”, one of the “Morning Splash” DJ’s. She and Stan welcomed me to the studio and we enjoyed a great interview both on and off the air. During the off-air time, I learned Holly is an author too. Shortly after our time together, Holly’s book arrived in my post office box.

With many of my lists minimized, if not eliminated, I’ve added reading back into my schedule. I’ve read three books since last Wednesday. This is more than I read between September and June. Summer is a wonderful, relaxing, and perfect time to work through my basket of books. 
 
Holly Gaskin’s “Finding My Father” details her relationship, and lack thereof, with her parents. My heart broke for Holly while also cheering for her. Holly exhibits strength, perseverance, and hope for the child searching for a lost parent. Holly initially lost her father due to circumstances out of her control ~ a meddling maternal grandfather, alcoholism, and a lack of trust. Holly shares tidbits of her childhood and her desire to “know” her biological father. A desire crushed often by her mother and grandparents. 
 
Holly matures in to an independent woman with the skills, drive, and heart to find her father. She doesn’t find her daddy right away but does reconnect with her father’s side of the family. A trip across the country introduces her to love and affection never experienced yet doesn’t answer her biggest question, “Where is my father?” Her father hadn’t only severed ties with she and her mother, he also disconnected from his entire family. She returned with the same questions unanswered, “Where is he? Why doesn’t he contact me?”

Holly’s honesty and willingness to share the most difficult of situations, thoughts, and emotions reveals the little girl still within the grown woman she is today. Does Holly find her father before the book ends? Yes…and no! She, and her husband, eventually locate him and even go for a visit. Upon this visit Holly’s excitement is soon crushed when she learns of health limitations and the struggles her father faces. Some of which could explain his distance after her parents’ divorce and the years to follow.

If you’ve experienced divorce, then lost touch with one of your parents, the raw emotion of this book will resonate in your heart. If this is a concept you’re not aware of, reading this book will help you appreciate all you had growing up. If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, I recommend reading Holly’s book. There are so many lessons within the covers. Lessons of relationships mended decades later, hope restored, and hurtful memories replaced with joyful ones.

Links to Amazon - click on any of the photographs.

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