An emotive memoir following one woman’s extraordinary life journey.
This book has a powerful narrative that adds to current discussions around mental health, particularly in young people and provides an insight into living with OCD and caring for a child with additional needs.
From a mischievous yet frighteningly anxious child to a young adult filled with so much love
It is one mother’s journey through the rollercoaster of relationships and emotions that has shaped the very person she has become. From a mischievous yet frighteningly anxious child to a young adult filled with so much love, yet consumed with self-doubt, anxiety and a shockingly unhealthy level of low self-worth to eventually become a brave, free spirit with confidence, empathy and an unbridled passion to enjoy every moment that life has to offer.
Her journey has not been easy. There were many twists and turns including mental health illness and chronic physical illness.
A child with special needs was her blessing but she fought many battles to secure the best for him and his sisters.
The author invites you to journey alongside her as she examines what has shaped her morals and her personality. She shares what has helped her to overcome adversity and become the person she is today. A mother who has confidence, empathy, forgiveness, love, faith and hope. Above all, a person she is comfortable, indeed happy, to be.
Reviews of ‘Tug of Love’
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Beautiful, emotional and strong.
This book and this woman are incredible! This is an honest and open real life account of the struggles from childhood to adulthood and motherhood. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions with high highs and low lows. It’ll have you crying and laughing! The book really helps you to understand it’s ok not to be ok and to ask for and fight for help. A must read!!
Jenny
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Jo H
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A heartfelt account of the authors struggle.
I loved this book, a rollercoaster of feelings from this amazing author. From her own harrowing struggles with mental and physical health, to the birth of her children and the rich narrative of their early years.
A good read, and an insight into the strength of this inspirational lady.
Amazon Customer
About Jo Austin
Jo was born in Hampshire and lived with her parents and sister, Jan, in Waterlooville, near Portsmouth, where she attended both the local Catholic primary and secondary schools. Jo loves music and plays both trumpet and piano, as well as having been a member of a local band and choir. Before qualifying as a Registered Nurse, Jo worked at Cadlington House where she developed her love for children with special needs.
A turning point for Jo
When her own children were born, including a son with autism, ADHD and learning difficulties, Jo decided to become a full-time mum. She continues to champion the cause of full-time devoted motherhood. Eventually returning to work when her children became adults, every job opportunity led her back to caring for children with complex needs.
Now a single, mature adult, Jo is a full-time foster mum of children with additional needs. She continues to support her grown children and grandchildren. Her passion for caring is reflected in the relationships she shares with her family and her dogs.
Walking with Love and Autism
Robert was a very restless baby and only really responsive to the stimulus of touch. A hearing check showed severe impairment but it was hoped that, after operations to remove his tonsils and adenoids and to drain his ears, his hearing would improve and so would his development.
Once he began playschool, however, it was clear to the teachers and to his mum, Jo, that Robert was struggling, but it was to be some time before a diagnosis was reached: Robert had moderate learning difficulties, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and autism.
During these difficult years, as Robert attended various specialist and mainstream schools, Jo wrote about her experiences caring for Robert and trying to maintain a normal family life with her husband Mike, and their other children, Jennifer and Catherine.
While there were many low moments and periods of great frustration, Robert’s story is ultimately hopeful and inspiring.
Connect with Jo Austin
My Facebook Profile
Visit my personal Facebook profile and become a friend of Jo Austin.
My Instagram Profile
Follow me on Instagram to stay upto date with my journey of life in pictures.
Friends of Jo Austin
Robert Austin
My son has a page called Walking with Autism where he shares his own journey.
Antoniya Falconer
My photographer’s Facebook page who helped me to capture the images for my book.