'What are You Thinking of, Dad?'
Nick Wisbey
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Buy NowWhy I wrote this book
18th February 1963 is the most memorable date of my life. More memorable than either of my two weddings. I don’t want it to be - but that’s how it is. It’s the day dad had his stroke. Even now, twenty years since his death, the date conjures up such a lot of emotions. I think of mum and dad’s relationship throughout those years. The ups and downs. Dad’s frustration and anger. Mum’s frustration and anger. Mum’s love and support. Dad’s realization that mum tried her best.
The experience has made me a person that enjoys the simple things in life. I don’t take things for granted. You never know what’s around the corner.
Synopsis
Nick Wisbey was 14 when his 49 year old father, Stan, was struck down by the first in a series of strokes that were to leave him speechless and unable to communicate verbally. Instantaneously, the first stroke relegated Stan from the head of the household, the breadwinner, to an invalid. The devastation on losing his ability to speak caused massive frustrations, with the family left to guess from his gesticulations what it was he wanted. The tensions mounted and Stan understandably struggled to adapt to his changed life, over time he sank into a world of TV watching, reading and silence. The family were left to cope as best they could, but felt that the stroke had cheated them out of a husband and father. The frustrations only increased as the years passed and the family grew. Stan Wisbey survived his stoke for twenty eight years, retaining the good looks and outward composure he'd always possessed, but never having resolved his anger with the illness. Further strokes took their toll on his well being and cognative abilities. What are you thinking of Dad? is Nick Wisbey's touching account of those 28 years. They focus on his relationship with his father, the highs and lows, the love and hate - as well as his mother's caring devotion to the family during this time. This account is unique because of the emphasis on the long term effect living with serious illness.About the Author
Born in 1947 within the sound of Bow Bells my upbringing was happier than the gloom portrayed in EastEnders. We lived in a three bedroom terrace in Leyton and enjoyed an annual seaside holiday. At school I under achieved and left with only two O levels. But I did represent the school at football, cricket and, reluctantly, the high jump. I first worked in a shipping office and then had numerous clerical positions before I changed direction in the eighties and began driving for a living. After a divorce in 1992 I moved to Norwich and began taxi-driving. I remarried in 2005 and have a stepson and daughter. I started writing in the nineties. I’ve published a collection of short stories entitled ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’ and written an, as yet, unpublished novel about a special holiday. ‘London to Hongkong by Rail.’ I enjoy golf, ceroc dancing, eating out and our local.
Book info
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Genres
Format
Paperback
224 pages pages
Author
Nick Wisbey
Publisher
Matador an imprint of Troubador Publishing
Publication date
1st November 2010
ISBN
9781848764811
