Not my Plan
A Mother’s Unexpected Journey.
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Not My Plan: A Mother’s Journey, is a poignant story of persistence, hope and faith on a road filled with enormous challenges, seeming set-backs and indescribable pain.
Joyce writes:
“When I became a mother in 1981, I had no idea what the future would hold for my daughter Amy, my husband or me. This journey began without my approval. It became the story of a family raising a special child named Amy. On this journey, Amy underwent twenty-four surgeries in the first eighteen years of her life. Our family life revolved around doctors’ appointments, and searching for answers from doctors, therapists, teachers and pastors. But quite honestly, our questions were directed toward God. Most of these answers, however, were buried in the cerebellum of Amy’s brain.”
She continues her down-to-earth story telling, sharing the depths of her struggles:
“I became worn out physically, because I couldn’t sleep, as Amy didn’t sleep. Many nights Amy cried from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The doctors had no answers. When I stayed up at night walking or rocking Amy, I reread the old hymns and autobiographies of these noble, humble Christian men and women.
At times, I wondered if I would get through this period in my life without a mental breakdown. I had witnessed [the parents of other special needs children] becoming bitter and angry. Now in addition to praying for Amy, I prayed that God would please save me from destructive emotions. God would have to carry me through these battles if I was going to survive without sinking into bitterness and becoming plagued by anxiety attacks.”
From dryly humorous to deeply traumatic, Joyce’s candid stories paint an honest, open picture of the unique journey of a mother to a child with special needs. She details how she struggled with the intense agony of fear, guilt and questioning, and how she found her way to acceptance and wholeness through the gentle, patient, sometimes slow-moving guidance of God.
Joyce credits her ability to adapt to these overwhelming circumstances, as well as Amy’s profound development and autism, to her astoundingly optimistic husband, Dave, supportive family members, friends and countless competent professionals. But, above all, she points to God’s ever-present grace.
There is no doubt that you will find comfort and hope in Joyce’s journey, which was––by her own admission––not “her plan”.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
As Joyce Yexley shows us in her journey of raising a daughter with special needs, she searches for something better. While struggling with her own inadequacies and fears, she discovers hope and strength in her new role as a grieving caregiver. Joyce speaks to parents of children with special needs who yearn for something better than the doctor's diagnosis. Join her as she searches for medical answers and spiritual truths that lead her to a better place with peace, joy, and God's faithfulness.
About the Author
Joyce Yexley is a fashion historian, writer, and speaker. She holds three advanced degrees. As approved speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, Joyce has traveled six states sharing her faith journey to women’s organizations. She has published articles in faith-based and women’s magazines. She has served on the board of Cass County Historical Society. Previously, Joyce worked in the home furnishings industry for twenty years as a design consultant, buyer, and manager. Her business, A Century of Fashion, is a fun-filled presentation including vintage fashion, live models, music, and a power point. Joyce shares fashion programs to venues such as museums, fundraising events, schools, reunions, and centennial celebrations. You can learn more about Joyce at www.joycesjourney.com.