The Sky Isn't Visible from Here

When I got a request from MotherTalk to review the memoir: The Sky Isn't Visible from Here written by Felicia G. Sullivan it came with a brief description of the book. I was hooked. And luckily I have been given an opportunity to read and blog about it!

Ms. Sullivan chaotically writes about her chaotic life. At first I found it difficult to keep track of her story. She writes going back and forth from several different times in her life. But, after just slowing down I found it much easier to read.

However, reading the content was not easy. Ms. Sullivan did not have a happy childhood and early adulthood. I knew this going when I signed up for the book. However, it's actually why I wanted to read it.

I have been a special ed teacher for over a decade. I've heard story after story of wonderful family lives of my students and also not so wonderful family lives of my students. I cringe as students tell me the last time they had eaten, or had other basic needs met. I wondered how I was supposed to teach them reading, writing and math when their lives where in such chaos. I looked into the future and wondered what it held for them. It's these students whose stories stuck with me year after year while I wonder if my encouragement will make even the smallest difference in their fight to survive against the odds.

I do not have the answer to why some people are fighters and others are not. But I do know that Ms. Sullivan is a fighter. Her story was so honestly told. She makes me wonder, even more, which of my former students will be fighters just like her.

Best of all, her story doesn't end on the last page. She, too, has a blog! It's good to know I can 'check in on her' and how she continues to do from time to time. I thank Ms. Sullivan for being brave enough to share her story with us. It is a truly iinspirational story of strength.

Head over to Mothertalk to see what other's are saying!

Cross posted to MyLifeAsItIs.