The year is 1955, and Beverly and Warren Vance enjoy a good life. He’s a successful real estate agent, and Beverly enjoys making their home a comfortable place. They’re living the American dream, with one huge exception. Their son, Keller, is mentally challenged.
Beverly is at her wits’ end trying to figure out how to deal with her son’s odd behavior. One minute, he’s peaceful and loving. The next, he’s frustrated and violent. Every minute of Beverly’s time is spent coping with him, and she feels as though she’ll never be free of stress. Making matters worse is the fact that the other members of the community don’t understand what she’s going through. They see Keller acting up, and they think she’s just not being firm with him. They don’t understand that she’s done everything she can, and it’s still not enough.
Keller’s doctor keeps encouraging Beverly to place him in an institution, but Beverly just can’t do it. He’s her son, and she loves him. Surely she’ll be able to find a way to care for him, despite the difficulty.
When Beverly discovers that she’s pregnant again, fear races through her. What if this child is also challenged? How could she balance caring for two needy children? And with Keller’s unpredictable behavior, how could she keep him from harming the baby?
When Keller accidentally cuts Beverly’s face in a fit of anger, Warren doesn’t know what else to do but place him in an institution. Beverly is hysterical, but Warren is firm. The police take Keller away, and Beverly and Warren must make some decisions. What is best for their family? What does family mean, and what are they willing to do to keep theirs intact?
New author Tracy Winegar paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster Beverly experiences as she tries to maintain her sanity while caring for a boy who tests her very limits. I could sense Beverly’s feelings of despair and overwhelm and yet her deep devotion to her son and her commitment to doing the best she can. “Keeping Keller” is an emotionally gripping tale of love, dedication, and the importance of family, no matter what.
(This book was published in 2008 by Bonneville Books.)
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