“I’m drawn to those defiant souls who refuse to submit to tough circumstances, those who jut out their chins and stubbornly defy the odds.”

— Donald Dempsey, author of Betty’s Child

Don Dempsey and his son

I’m pleased to welcome fellow Dream of Things author Donald Dempsey for a guest post today. Don gives us insight into resilience and writing. For a chance to win a copy of his book, please post a comment and I’ll randomly select a winner.

About Betty’s Child

In the tradition of Frank McCourt and Angela’s Ashes, Betty’s Child tells the story of life with a cruel and neglectful mother, her abusive boyfriends, a dangerous local thug who wants twelve-year-old Donny to burglarize homes and deal drugs, and hypocritical church leaders who want to save young Donny’s soul but ignore threats to his physical well-being. In a world where it’s “fight or flight” at every turn, Donny uses his street smarts and sense of humor to guide him. He usually makes the right choice, but whenever he makes a wrong move, he pays the price.

Some of his experiences are horrifying, but you’ll want to keep reading because Dempsey manages to maintain a sense of humor while sharing the gritty details of his story.

Please join me in welcoming Don Dempsey to “That’s the Way Life Lives” for his insights on resilience and everyday heroes. Let us know how you practice being resilient or tell us about role models you turn to for inspiration.

Don’s Guest Post

I’ve never been one to idolize.  I like watching sports and live for football season, but I’ve played enough to realize great athletes are born with their gifts.  Actors?  Give me a break.  And I feel the same way about singers and musicians, although there are quite a few I really enjoy listening to.  I can appreciate the talents of these people, but I don’t feel there is necessarily anything better about them than you or I.

But if I’m channel surfing and happen upon a story about a lady who paints with her feet, or a man who taught himself to drive with no arms?  I’ll watch that story every time.  I love the survivors.  I’m drawn to those defiant souls who refuse to submit to tough circumstances, those who jut out their chins and stubbornly defy the odds.  People are capable of accomplishing unimaginable feats.  I know this.  But the thrill seekers have never really impressed me.  I tend to find those I want to emulate in my everyday life.

I’ve always found ways to try and stem my tendencies toward melancholy.  Whenever I start to get down or begin to feel sorry for myself, I think of a dear friend of mine who lost his wife after a horrible battle with M.S.  I have another close friend who has Lupus, and undergoes one surgery after another, and yet never complains or loses faith.  When I think of them putting one foot in front of the other, it helps me to do the same without complaining.

Lately I have been introduced to a few people who inspire perseverance, especially when it comes to writing about tough subject matter.  And I didn’t have to look far.  I recently finished Madeline Sharples book “Leaving the Hall Light On”.  She writes about losing her son.  And I have scanned over and will soon be reading “Swimming With Maya” by Eleanor Vincent.  She writes about making the tough decision to donate her daughter’s organs to help others retain life.  The courage of these women amazes me, and lately I’ve thought often about what they must have endured.

My publisher Mike O’Mary overcame a tough childhood.  I’ve received so many inspiring messages from readers who have survived terrible circumstances.  One of my readers, who suffered an unbearable childhood, actually works everyday to assist those in need.  She donates hours to the homeless, organizes fund drives, and manages her own family, all the while laughing and joking about her past tribulations and even convincing her children to work alongside her.  She’s yet another person I’ve added to my list.

A couple of times while working with these blog submissions I struggled.  I found some of the topics unpleasant to write about.  I asked myself what I had gotten myself into.  I don’t feel very qualified to express opinions on such serious issues.  Once I even tried to back out of an article.  And along would come Crystal Otto, the coordinator of my Women On Writing blog tour.  Upbeat, energetic, encouraging, running her dairy farm, raising her kids, helping out at the church, caring for her mom, and babying me.  Oh, and she’s pregnant and dealing with other medical issues.  Her constant positive attitude literally shamed me into completing my appointed tasks.

Like I said earlier, I tend to find my heroes in my everyday life.  It’s not hard to do if you look around and take notice.

Book Summary

“Heartrending and humorous. In scene after vivid scene, Dempsey presents his inspiring true story with accomplished style. Dempsey’s discipline as a writer lends the real-life tale the feel of a fictional page-turner.” ~ Kirkus

Paperback: 438 pages

Publisher: Dream of Things (March 26, 2013)

ISBN: 0988439018  ISBN-13: 978-0988439016

Twitter hashtag: #BCDempsey

Betty’s Child is available at Amazon.

About Don Dempsey

Don experienced childhood abuse and neglect first hand, but went on to have a fulfilling family life as an adult and to own his own business. “If you’re lucky, you make it to adulthood in one piece,” says Don. “But there’s no guarantee the rest of your life is going to be any better. Abused kids are often plagued by fear and insecurity. They battle depression and have trouble with relationships. In the worst cases, abused children perpetuate the cycle.” But Don is living proof that you can overcome a childhood of abuse and neglect. “You start by letting go of as much of the guilt (yes, abused kids feel guilty) and as many of the bad memories as possible. At the same time, you hold on to the things that helped you survive. For me, it was the belief that you can make life better by working at it and earning it. It helps to have a sense of humor, too.”

Find out more about the author by visiting him online at the Betty’s Child website: www.BettysChild.com

Donald Dempsey Facebook: www.facebook.com/donald.dempsey.3

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