In My Heart

By Ursula Hanks

Heart's unique voice is heard when listening This story is based on factual events and is the piece of the author's memoir that captures the preponderance of her life's journey. The events impacted by her aging parents' challenges prompted reviewing her memories of the family's epic history, including their immigration to the United States. In the process, she dared the truth by looking at what really was in "her heart". The story weaves in an out of more recent, heartrending events such as the loss of her beloved father and her mother's progressive dementia, as they elicit memories about World War II events, the family's refugee experience, and "coming to America". Sprinkled throughout the story, she describes the personal pain of a failed marriage, the loss of a son, and a failed career. Outweighing life's painful moments, the delights of her rich and joyful family life are her fortress. The self-discovery of the kind of soul-searching it takes in order to move on in life resonates unmistakably.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1432723863
• ISBN13: 9781432723866
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 108 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

In My Heart

"In My Heart" is a lovely story about a daughter's devotion to her parents as they age and face age related illnesses and issues. She explores her family history with her parents arrival in America. She also shares personal pains in her life. This a wonderful story told from the heart.

Deeply Personal

In her profoundly insightful and compelling book, Ms. Hanks, shares her somewhat tragic and deeply personal story. It is an inspiring family history that will touch the hearts of all who read it.

Caring Giving for aging parents

In My Heart is a loving memoir of this author's experience in how she opened her heart and home, enabling her parents to hold onto some independence and yet live in a safe environment during their last years. Though just a short 107 pages, it is filled with valuable insight for caregivers pointing out the unique struggles, rewards and challenges while attempting to give back to the people who once gave so much to her. You can almost hear the pride in Ursula's voice as she talks about her parents immigration to America from Germany. She is thoughtful in her description and to the point, a fine start for a first time author.

A Must Read for Adult Children of Elderly Parents

I see Ursula's story as a touching reminder to celebrate with gratitude all that is dear in our lives. I am in the midst of eldercare, and am inspired by this woman's process of opening up her life to share her own experience during such a difficult time. I'm very busy in my life and have so little time for reading, however this book can be read in a couple of hours. Well worth the time. Thank you for sharing, Ursula.

Journal of a soul

Thought-provoking account of a woman's life from her family's hardships during her early childhood in World War II central Europe, to the trials and joys of family life in today's northern California. Ursula Hanks' reactions to many of the challenges, some unimaginable to past generations, that so many of us face are indeed inspiring. Her experiences, from her unique background, will more than motivate the discouraged and overwhelmed. Ian Begg, Marin County, California