Title: Where the Water Meets the Sand
Author: Tyra Manning
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Publication Date: May 10, 2016
Length: 264 Pages
About The Author
After retiring from a forty-year career in education, Dr. Tyra Manning has devoted her energies to comforting those suffering in silence, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and opening doors to resources for support and treatment.
A Woman With A Mission
Tyra Manning learned that her husband had been killed in the Vietnam War from her psychiatrist at the Menninger Clinic, where she had been hospitalized for clinical depression. After years of battling addiction and depression, Tyra's worst fear had come true. Larry had been shot down over the Laotian jungle while flying a top-secret mission, just two weeks before their daughter's second birthday.
The author recounts how she was able to persevere in the face of devastating loss. With courage, love, and determination, she overcame her grief and fulfilled promises she made to Larry before he left for Vietnam. She ultimately earned a doctorate of education from the University of Kansas and became one of the nation's top school superintendents.
When Tyra received a call from the Air Force in 2006, she was able to keep one last promise to Larry. His remains had finally been excavated after thirty-five years, and she was able to honor his wish to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
My Thoughts
This memoir is remarkable for many reasons. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until I read the last page.
The author is a survivor. Tyra Manning is as much of a hero as her husband who lost his life in Vietnam. She would not give up, no matter how difficult her life circumstances were.
Here are some of the challenges that Dr. Manning overcame:
- The illness and death of her father at a young age.
- Depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
- Alcohol addiction.
- Becoming a young widow of an Air Force pilot killed in Vietnam.
- Single motherhood.
- Working as a school teacher and going to school at night and during summers.
- Severe injuries from a head-on collision with a drunk driver.
- Divorce.
- Dealing with military authorities for over 35 years to have her husband's remains returned and buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trya and Larry were planning to meet in Hawaii, where the water meets the sand, during an upcoming R&R leave. This dream of walking on the beach with her husband inspired and comforted Tyra during her most difficult days.
Courage. Inspiration. Determination. Perseverance. Patriotism. Hope. Love.
These are just a few words that describe Dr. Manning's life journey.
Highly recommended!
My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5
FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
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The video book trailer below provides some highlights from the book.
