"Night Time Shadows: Patrick's Story" Taking twelve years in the living and three years in the writing, Night Time Shadows "Patrick's Story" is a poignant yet often humorous account of one man's struggle with growing older under the cloud of Parkinson's disease; and just like the disease itself, there is a progression that reveals how really unprepared, as individuals, society in general and our care system, we are for the future. As the pages unfold and the chapters divulge, beginning slowly and almost unpredictably, Parkinson's creeps up on an unsuspecting individual, and just like the effects of growing old the symptoms are unsettling and often mistaken or misunderstood. However, this is not a story of doom and gloom. Throughout, there is a sense of optimism, and Patrick's Irish wit portrays a real love of life and a determination to make the most of his situation, as he recalls the diverse dilemmas he and his family were faced with. Pulling no punches Night Time Shadows not only reflects on how some sections of the medical and social services, using compassion and empathy, were proactive in helping Patrick and his close family. It also exposes the often unnecessary thoughtlessness, and sometimes downright inconsiderate way in which Britain's health care system struggles to keep pace with the associated illnesses of old age; often creating more problems than they actually solve. Without fear or favour "Patrick's Story reveals how financial and political pressures on the National Health Service, imposed by successive governments, have produced a postcode lottery that puts immense pressure on all aspects of medical care. This places a tremendous strain on healthcare professionals, who in the main are dedicated to making their patients well again. Unfortunately, it was these pressures that were to be Patrick's undoing and at the end of "Patrick's Story", when the "Night Time Shadows" are finally gone forever, the author brings her own expertise to a final appendix. This examines in more depth the ramifications of her father's experiences and how, at a time when the western world is burdened with an ever aging population, the multiplicity of Patrick's needs may hold the key to the paradigm shift, which will be needed to encompass our own concerns about growing old, and society's inability to properly care for our elderly. Testimonials. I absolutely loved your book. It really gives an insight into what life is like for a person suffering with Parkinson's disease and, working within a care setting, I think it is easy to forget that sufferers of the disease can still have a life and a laugh. I also love the way you engage and interact with your dad and always try to see the funny side of things, even at times when you could otherwise get upset. Furthermore, I admire your honesty and love the way you don't try and paint yourself as a saint but instead you openly admit the times when you get angry and frustrated with your dad. I think your book sends out an important message that the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease does not have to be the end and sufferers can still enjoy life. Whilst at the same time portraying the difficulties carers and sufferers face, as even though you love and care for your dad and you have the support of a loving family, there is still not enough help and support available to carers and the pressures and strains of caring for a person with this disease can be overwhelming This book is a valuable and inspiring read and I hope to see it on the shelves soon. Claira Newton BSc (Hons). * Night Time Shadows is a well written account of her father's struggle with Parkinson's disease. Delivered in a very personal style, it is easy to read, being clear and to the point and it contains a strong message for anyone suffering with a long-term illness as well as for those caring for them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book which obviously came from the heart. Ann Frost. M A, Dipl
About the Author: Margaret Ann Foster came to writing late in her career, when at the age of fifty nine she decided to fulfil two of her greatest ambitions. Firstly, she decided to write the novel she had always promised herself she would, and secondly she enrolled at Huddersfield University to read for a BSc in Psychological Studies. Within a year she had not only completed her first year at university, but had written 130,000 words that became the basis of 'From Pit Boots to Green Wellies'. A novel about growing up in the fifties and sixties, and her life as a pub landlady in the 1980's (First published in 2010 and soon to be re-published on Kindle). In 2011 Margaret was awarded a First Class Honours Degree. Based on her experiences of caring for her father, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, her 8,000 word final year dissertation paved the way for 'Night Time Shadows: Patrick's Story'. 88,000 punchy, hard hitting, and very pertinent words that reveal how unprepared the western world is for coping with an ever growing elderly population. Margaret's work in progress is a mystery thriller which takes place in Ireland, Liverpool and New York, and spans the years between the start of the Second World War to modern times; and if her past record is anything to go by it should be ready for publication late in 2015.