Events wholly beyond our control can sometimes abruptly and profoundly interrupt our life journeys and the journeys of those we love. As they are unfolding, the physical and emotional trauma that often accompany such events present seemingly insurmountable obstacles to our ability to move forward. We become stuck, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Several years ago, one of those events drove Don Blackwell's daughter to death's doorstep. In the midst of her suffering, however, and largely as a result of her courage, Don came to realize that such events can also serve as critical points of reflection and opportunities for growth. He also realized that if we are willing to take a step back from the heartbreak of the moment and reflect on the matters of the heart that surround those events, they can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves, of those we love and of the human condition. "Dear Ashley" is a collection of those reflections and the intimate father/daughter letters used to convey them---shared in the hope that the unique perspective they offer will provide guidance, understanding and healing when life's challenges come knocking on your door.
"Dear Ashley" is unique, in part, because it is not written from the perspective of the sufferer, the treatment professional or the medical or psychological researcher. Instead, it may be the first time a dad has shared his perspective on his daughter's eating disorder battle in print, let alone done so in such an engaging, intimate and heart-warming manner. The fact that Don Blackwell offers that perspective, openly and honestly, is one of many reasons parents and young adults are likely to be drawn to the book's life-affirming message of hope.
