In this non-fiction work that should appeal to any parent who has ever raised a child who was "challenged," a mother shares the heart-breaking frustrations - and joys - of raising her fourth and final child, Krissy Anne, who was born with a very rare, congenital neuro-physical disorder known as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome - a condition marked by mental retardation (ranging from mild to profound, affecting especially cognitive development as well as speech and communication skills) and an identifiable spectrum of physical abnormalities. Over the 40+ years that the book covers, Betty George reveals the hardships and obstacles that this condition presented to Krissy and the toll that it took on Krissy, Betty, Betty's husband Bill, and their three other children.
About the Author: Betty (Wakeam) George was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1935, and lived there for several years with her parents and three sisters. Her father had an opportunity to buy a business in nearby London, Ontario, and, eventually, the family moved there. Betty attended high school in London, Ontario, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and fashion design in 1956 from the University of Western Ontario. After graduation, Betty took a writing job at a local newspaper The London (Ontario) Free Press in London, Ontario, Canada. In the 1950s, women were not allowed in the City Department of the newspaper; thus, her desk was in the Women's Department. Her assignments covered women's organizations meetings, fashion events, and, on occasion, a freelance story at holiday times. Betty rose to assistant night editor at The London Free Press. Three years later, Betty met her future husband, Bill George. After a brief courtship, they married in 1959 and settled in Kansas City, Missouri (Bill's hometown). Betty set aside her burgeoning career in journalism to become a full-time wife and mother to four children, but she kept in touch with her inner writer by taking writing classes at a local educational center. But Betty never abandoned the writerly part of herself or lost her interest in words and the power they have as a vehicle for self-expression. Now, in A Long Walk in the Morning: The Krissy Anne George Story, Betty once again picks up her pen, renews her passion for writing, and offers a compelling narrative that should serve as an inspiration to parents everywhere - the story surrounding the life of her fourth and final child, Krissy, and the rare disease that turned Betty's family upside down.