In 'Where the Light Gets In', Kimberly Williams-Paisley explores the depth of family bonds, love, and resilience in the face of her mother's struggle with dementia. Through poignant reflections and heartfelt stories, she illustrates how joy and sorrow intertwine even in the darkest moments. The author’s candid narrative invites readers to confront their own fears and embrace the beauty of life’s fragility. This memoir not only captures the heart-wrenching reality of caregiving but also shines a light on the enduring power of connection. Prepare to be moved and inspired as Williams-Paisley shares her journey of loss and the light that comes with it.
By Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Published: 2017
"Life can be unpredictable, but it is within the cracks of uncertainty that we often find the brightest moments of joy and clarity."
“The relationship between a mother and daughter is one of the most complicated and meaningful there is. Kimberly Williams-Paisley writes about her own with grace, truth, and beauty as she shares her journey back to her mother in the wake of a devastating illness.” —Brooke Shields Many know Kimberly Williams-Paisley as the bride in the popular Steve Martin remakes of the Father of the Bride movies, the calculating Peggy Kenter on Nashville, or the wife of country music artist, Brad Paisley. But behind the scenes, Kim was dealing with a tragic secret: her mother, Linda, was suffering from a rare form of dementia that slowly crippled her ability to talk, write and eventually recognize people in her own family. Where the Light Gets In tells the full story of Linda’s illness—called primary progressive aphasia—from her early-onset diagnosis at the age of 62 through the present day. Kim draws a candid picture of the ways her family reacted for better and worse, and how she, her father and two siblings educated themselves, tried to let go of shame and secrecy, made mistakes, and found unexpected humor and grace in the midst of suffering. Ultimately the bonds of family were strengthened, and Kim learned ways to love and accept the woman her mother became. With a moving foreword by actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, Where the Light Gets In is a heartwarming tribute to the often fragile yet unbreakable relationships we have with our mothers.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley is an accomplished author and actress, known for her candid storytelling and heartfelt narratives. She gained fame for her role in the film 'Father of the Bride' and has starred in various television shows and movies. Williams-Paisley is also recognized for her writing, particularly her memoir 'Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again,' which explores her journey through loss, love, and the complexities of family connections. Her writing style is characterized by its warmth, honesty, and a deep emotional resonance, reflecting her personal experiences with grace and authenticity. In addition to her memoir, she has penned other works that speak to the challenges and joys of everyday life, making her a relatable voice in contemporary literature.
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“Life can be unpredictable, but it is within the cracks of uncertainty that we often find the brightest moments of joy and clarity.”
Where the Light Gets In
By Kimberly Williams-Paisley
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