This memoir with poems by Madeline Sharples, \u00a0 I hope will have a positive effect on the reader’s intellect and values beyond the awareness of a mother’s tremendous courage as a human being to cope with and talk about the loss of her son. \u00a0 Way beyond her gifted abilities to write so openly and poetically about her son’s life experience, his all-out struggle with a condition not fully understood and still felt as not normal by others. \u00a0 Way, way beyond the heart wrenching trauma underwent by a family who had a beloved member commit the ill thought of and unspeakable act, the taking of his own life. \u00a0 Madeline’s forthright and insightful words, whether intentional or not, will present an introspective opportunity to the reader. \u00a0 Where the reader is unexpectedly provided the chance to self-reflect and wrestle with their own preconceived biases and inhibitions on this matter. \u00a0 Those socially embedded judgments, which sadly cause a state of dis-ease, a lack of discernment concerning two separate but often associated components within the trials and tribulations of day-to-day living. \u00a0 Publicly chosen and accepted labels, shadowed by the stigma of disease, mental illness and defect, called bipolar disorder and suicide.<\/p>\n
In Leaving the Hall Light On, Madeline Sharples has graciously given forth the experience of her son’s journey through life as a precious gift. \u00a0 Her son’s life and how he lived it, holds out tremendous value to those who care to listen. \u00a0 Beneath the pain and stigma, is a cherished life, no matter if perceived as being tragically cut short, in the end was well worth every moment it was humanly lived. \u00a0 A life of a son, portrayed honestly without embarrassment or regret by the loving words of his mother. \u00a0The writing of this memoir with poems by Madeline Sharples may have been at times hard for her to say or bear; and yet, her heartfelt words keep alive the spirit of purpose and positive effect her son’s life experience will have on others, even after he choose to walk into the release of death. \u00a0 Her son’s life and death offers us all the opportunity to learn and then personally grow as a human being ourselves.<\/p>\n
Thank you Madeline Sharples for helping to let the memory, the spirit and the value of Paul’s life, get the chance to breathe fully within the beat of time.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Buy Madeline’s Book:<\/strong><\/p>\n