A Summer's Symphony

This autobiographical account which is the third in the trilogy which follows Where the Blackbird Never Sings, describes the author's life up to the present day. In it she describes the rich diversity of people she meets as she sojourns in life - many of whom have disabilities or are elderly. She meets people with chronic or life limiting illness. She meets people struggling with mental health issues and those with ASD, dyspraxia or ADHD. None of these people are, as society portray them, a drain on society's resources. These people are a vibrant community of resourceful and intelligent individuals without whose input, society would be much poorer. Lynne through sheer determination and resourcefulness has found a path through poverty and prejudice to the academic achievement which she had dreamed about. She qualified in education and health and social care undertaking research into health and educational issues. This sees her receiving many prestigious awards. She also worked as media adviser and was a serving member of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. This book sees her meeting her husband, Michael without whose support she could not have set up the projects for the marginalised in the community. Shortly after meeting her husband, the author was diagnosed with a serious condition but still continues to challenge the injustices which so many of the vulnerable are on the receiving end of. As in her first two books of the trilogy, the author often reflects on past events and what she has learned from them. This is a book of courage and triumph and of overcoming. It is not just about surviving against all the odds, it is about endurance and believing that there is something better. Just as in the first two books of the trilogy, this book will not leave you unmoved. It is profoundly unsettling, humorous and thought provoking. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry.It will not leave you unchanged.The whole series are a must for anyone who works with people - social workers, health workers etc - it will change your perception of those who are least valued in society. She also describes the home education of her adopted son. This book is dedicated to those with Motor Neurone Disease and a percentage of the royalties from this book are donated to the local branch of this charity.