The Four Walls of My Freedom - Paperback

by Donna Thomson (Author), John Ralston Saul (Introduction by)

A riveting and redemptive family memoir, The Four Walls of My Freedom is Donna Thomson's account of raising a son with cerebral palsy and a passionate appeal to change the way we think about "the good life."

Donna Thomson's life was forever changed when her son Nicholas was born with cerebral palsy. A former actor, director, and teacher, Donna became his primary caregiver and embarked on a second career as a disability activist, author, and consultant.

Thomson vividly describes her experience in treading delicately through daily care, emergencies, and medical bureaucracy as she and her family cope with her son's condition while maintaining value and dignity (for Nicholas, too). She brilliantly demonstrates the vital contribution that people with disabilities make to our society and addresses the ethics and economics of giving and receiving care.

Featuring an introduction by John Ralston Saul, and two new chapters, The Four Walls of My Freedom is a passionate appeal to change to the way we think about the "good life" that will touch anyone caring for the life of another.

Author Biography

Donna Thomson began her career as an actor, director, and teacher. But in 1988, when her son Nicholas was born with severe disabilities, she embarked on her second career as a disability activist, author, and consultant. She is married to James Wright, the former High Commissioner for Canada in the U.K. Their previous postings have been in London, Washington, D.C., and Moscow. They have two children and live in Ottawa.