How did I end up here? My mom’s life was remarkable in its complexity but nothing about that fact makes her story noteworthy, nor does it explain my compulsion to write about her life. Most families carry pain and unfinished business but the nuances and shades…the ways in which we navigate varies so dramatically. I’ve felt privileged in my therapeutic roles to help others find their way to peace. Tending to our own business? Ah yes…that’s why I wrote. Work of another order altogether, requiring deliberation and motivation; more so than any other task I’ve undertaken in life. My goal from the get-go was just to write…to see where the story of my mom, Sue, took me.
And here we are. I’m proud and nervous today to share that “Surviving Sue” is now available from my publisher, Eckhartz Press.
Forgiveness for repeating myself, but for any newer readers and followers, here’s the synopsis of the book:
“Surviving Sue” is a heart-wrenching story about the torment of keeping secrets, told from the daughter’s perspective as she navigated her mother’s mental health and addiction issues, while trying to shield and protect her disabled sister. “Surviving Sue” is about the power of storytelling to build resiliency, a guidebook for others who struggle with complex family issues including Alzheimer’s, depression, alcoholism, developmental and physical disabilities.
Heavy stuff, I know, but I promise there are lighter bits throughout. My mother’s life was punctuated by humor and good heartedness, despite her challenges.
One of the best parts of being a writer is being able to acknowledge, with deep gratitude, the community of kindred souls – travelers who also feel compelled to tell stories – often about our journeys and our families.
I’m especially grateful for the praise from two talented friends, authors Bruce Bohrer and Wynne Leon:
From the moment Vicki introduces us to Sue, we are captivated. Fascinated not only with Sue’s character, but how her turbulent persona ironically affects Vicki, Lisa and the others who are nearest and dearest to her. At the same time, we are mesmerized by Vicki’s strength and resilience, her dedication, and the multitude of emotions she expresses as she takes us through this heart-breaking, yet somehow optimistic personal account. This narrative is so engagingly well written and can teach us so many lessons about family–kudos to Vicki for sharing it with us.
-Bruce Bohrer, author of “Best Seat in the House: Diary of a Wrigley Field Usher” and former higher education colleague
The combination of humor and heartbreak in ‘Surviving Sue” unlocks a special chamber for reflection. Dr. Vicki Atkinson offers so many wonderful insights about what life with a complicated character like Sue brings and it’s a rollercoaster of laughter, love, wounding, and redemption. This book is a meaningful journey through the bonds of family, loving difficult people, and how we can heal intergenerationally in order to raise healthy families.
-Wynne Leon, entrepreneur and author of “Finding My Father’s Faith”
I’m grateful in ways I cannot describe for the interest in my book, the thoughtful questions about writing about family – writing through the pain. More on that to follow…
Thank you!
Vicki 😊
Victoria Ponders 
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