From Amazon:
Being raised in a dysfunctional family with a special needs sibling and an abusive dad either makes or breaks the human spirit – especially decades ago when there was no social intervention on behalf of minors or active support for the parents.Denise didn’t just endure these hardships – she prospered and became the advocate her special needs brother relied on to survive. Years later, she still runs beside him as his guardian. This gripping, emotional saga is based on a true story, and sure to tug on your heartstrings. It was written with the hope that some of the content will prove helpful to others in similar situations, or aid someone you, the reader, may know.
My Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book will get you in the gut. Having a mentally challenged and mentally ill child is no easy feat. Having an abusive father and two exes that were abusive don’t help. I compared my experiences as a child on up to the present. My father was wonderful. My mother was an evil spawn of Satan. That said, I totally understood the issues of Sue growing up with a brother so challenged. My younger brother had Downs syndrome. I’ve worked decades as a registered nurse, and I’ve seen those in good group homes and those in state institutions. I worked in a hospital yet some came into the ER. Sue finally overcame all that was tossed her way, the second guessing on if the right thing was done with each placement facility, the guilt one can feel if their loved one wasn’t taken care of properly. There was a time in the early 80s when de-instatutionalization, was started for those with decreased mental capacity had to be moved from state institutions to nursing homes and such. But with Eddie having schizophrenia comes a fine line to get the right placement. Trust me, those state funds were what they all wanted. Bottom line. Finally, a good placement was found not far from home, and Eddie likes it there. Proof = Mommy is what he called Sue. Mommy. I guess I’m just rattling on but I get all that happened. Life comes full circle. Sue was able to finally let go of her abusive father, and exes. I applaud that!! Sue, Eddie, and the other two brothers have a much better and cohesive relationship now.
When Angels Fly 