Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return

From Google 

For one of my classes, Geriatric Communication Disorders, I was required to read a book about someone who has suffered from a condition that resulted in communication difficulties. Looking over the list, there were several written in the 60's and 70's, so I decided to stick to a more recent one. I came across  Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return by Susan Edsall, which sounded good. That was my pick and I finished reading the book over the weekend. Most books that I've read for a class are boring (most likely because they ARE for a class), but I found this one to be very good! I would recommend this book to anyone and especially those that may work with the elderly and stroke patients. Below is an excerpt from my book review. 




"Into the Blue is told from the eyes of a daughter, whose father suffered an unexpected stroke. The book begins reminiscing about the author’s memories with her father. The author, Susan, is now a middle-aged woman. Her father, Wayne Edsall, has a passion for flying that started in his late teens. He is a pilot and rebuilds planes for a living. After telling numerous stories about flying adventures all over the United States as a child and teen, with her father, Susan tells the story about how her 71-year-old father suffered a stroke. The goal of every character in the book, especially Wayne is to be able to fly again after his stroke. As stated by Susan, “We had set on compass on one destination: Dad would fly again. On this we chose to agree.” To be able to accomplish this, Susan made it her priority to work with her father extensively to make that happen. Wayne suffered an embolic stroke that affected Broca’s area.  Because of that, he was unable to read, write, speak, or coordinate some movements. Immediately, he started receiving Speech, Recreational, Occupational, and Physical therapy. Once he was released from extensive care, Susan stayed by his side for several weeks re-teaching him how to speak, read, and write.  Susan’s point of view showed that she emotionally struggled through her father’s stoke and knew that she needed to stay strong and positive for him.  Wayne’s family and friends supported him through this time and Wayne believed that is what helped him fly once again. In the end, after several months, Wayne retook his flying test and was able to fly a plane solo. Not only was he happy once again, but it brought tears of joy to his family as well. "