The Book
Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family
The Gerrier family faced monumental challenges together. Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family is about sacrifice, responsibility, and the compassion that Donna Jean had for her elderly parents. They embraced humour and a love of life, which was better than medicine.
Caring for her parents was challenging at times but it was also a privilege. Donna Jean states she is indebted to this experience because being a caregiver taught her when she gives to others it is really her who receives the gift.
Donna Jean believes we all have a dream hidden deep within our soul that is meant only for us to fulfill. It is Donna Jean’s vision that the readers of her story will gather inspiration to take the steps necessary to allow their dreams to manifest too–no matter how difficult the circumstances.
Her mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Her father, a Parkinsonian, cared for her mother until he suffered a stroke. This resulted in both parents being immobile and confined to wheelchairs. Donna Jean left a thriving career as a speech language pathologist as well as her study of classical opera performance and chose to be her parents’ main caregiver when their needs surpassed the home care mandate. The days unfolded from dealing with health care bureaucracy to managing her parents’ high-level care, hiring private workers, running a household, and managing the finances.
The Gerrier family’s motto was to do the best they could with what they had to work with. They did not merely exist—they lived. Her father’s condition improved due to non-traditional treatments received from a neurologist in New York City, which allowed her father to have outrageous experiences.
Donna Jean tells an intriguing story of how her father nearly lost his life in Las Vegas and the horror she and her father lived through being arrested in Stockholm, Sweden. It was assumed they were Russian spies, as well as husband and wife.
Sir Samwell, the family dog, played a major part in their lives. He was the rock of the family, their very best friend and always there to catch them if he could see they were going to fall. Sir Samwell had Donna Jean’s mother wrapped around his little paw. Gerrier is adamant “an animal touches you in a place deep within your soul where no human being can possibly reach or trod. Their loyalty is more valuable than gilded gold.”
Donna Jean continues her long-time passions to end violence against animals and women. She also advocates for stronger laws concerning their safety and rights. Donna Jean champions for women’s empowerment throughout the world. She shares how she sees the world today and emphasizes the importance of supporting each other, avoiding isolation.
Gerrier’s strong convictions and fierce determination, inherited from her parents, assisted her to survive a near-fatal automobile accident. Following seven months in the hospital and two years of rehabilitation, she fought relentlessly not to be placed in a nursing home, and won the battle.
Donna Jean stresses if you choose to be a caregiver for your family strive for no regrets. Do all you can, the very best you can—that is enough.
Discover a tale of sacrifice, responsibility, and the compassion in the inspiring pages of Eggs on the Wall . . . For the Love of Family.
ISBN 13 (Trade Paperback): 978-1-4525-9878-9
ISBN 13 (Hardbound): 978-1-4525-9880-2
ISBN 13 (eBook): 978-1-4525-9879-6
This is a wonderful book! It covers so much—-some serious but some hilarious.
Donna Jean had a well rounded childhood with education a priority. She tackled life as it comes—-the prime example being she gave up her career as a speech pathologist and singer to care for her parents—-not always an easy task.
As a single woman she observes life in many areas—-religion, women’s rights, especially battered women, seniors homes and attitudes towards single women.
A major priority is the welfare of animals (her dog Sir Samwell a major inspiration) She handles difficult situations at home and abroad with strength and wonderful humour.
I have passed this book on to men and women—-they all loved it as much as I did—-a great read for all.
Written by Malinda Waltz Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada