The Four Walls of My Freedom ― Lessons I've Learned from a Life of Caregiving

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 her passionate appeal to change the way we think about "the good life." Donna Thomson's life was forever changed by her son Nicholas. A former actor, director, and teacher, Donna became his primary caregiver and embarked on a second career as a disability activist, author, and consultant. Here, she vividly describes her experience in treading delicately through daily care, emergencies, and medical bureaucracy as Donna and her family cope with her son's condition while maintaining value and dignity. 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 a new introduction by John Ralston Saul, and two new chapters, The Four Walls of My Freedom is an ardent argument for changing to the way we think about the ?good life” that touches anyone who has ever cared for the life of another.

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.