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Shatterproof: A Mother's Memoir of Love and Loss

- July 18, 2023

At long last, I have completed my memoir about our son Benjamin's ALS diagnosis and the eight years that followed until his death in 2008. I promised myself that I would complete this memoir by my 80th birthday. I am pleased to report that I was able to fulfill that promise as my 80th birthday was July 16, 2023. Mine is a bittersweet memoir, filled with humor as well as grief. This is my truth. My hope is that you will read my story and gain strength for the challenges in your own life, whatever they may be. Here are some of the comments I've received from those who have read Shatterproof. Shatterproof is a beautiful and stunning tribute to and testimony of a mother's love as she supports, advocates and wrestles with her son's ALS diagnosis. Ellen Blum Barish, essayist and memoirist This book will deeply touch all who read it and help many people who have suffered the loss of a child. Eve Lipchik, MSW, Co-Founder ICF Consultants Barbara captured my imaginat...

My Ten Year Hiatus

What happened to my postings on Burnt Chocolate that began in 2006 and ended abruptly in December 2009? Our son Ben died on July 3, 2008, after an eight year struggle with ALS. While I managed to post a few pieces about loss and grief, the joy was gone. In 2009, we created ALS Worldwide to assist persons afflicted with ALS. For the past decade, my writing has focused on developing and maintaining the website, emails, patient support and research. And while the work continues, now, in 2020, space has opened up in my life to write, once again, with joy, about my family and life in the last chapter.