Life in the Body God Gave Me        
                         Living with cerebral palsy                               
                                   
                    The life story of  Neil H. Tasker
                        by  Wayne C. Long
       
       
                  Home      Summary      Foreword      Content      Author      Order      
                         
       EXCERPTS                                  
       

 
  Part  One
   For this I was born
 

   Part Two
   My thorn in the flesh


  Part Three
   Life's awakening



  Part  Four
  Shamokin to Lourdes


 

 

                          
                           Foreword


"Life in the Body God Gave Me" is based on the writings and story of Neil H. Tasker, a spastic, who reveals through this writing, his life experiences and devout faith in the God he loved. The deep feelings portrayed unveil life from his boyhood, when he first heard the words of an innocent child: "My mother told me not to laugh at you, but I can't help it," through his adult years. The journey climaxes many years later as Neil makes a final plea to the Virgin Mary to answer his prayers, in the city of Lourdes, for a miracle that would set him free and cure him of cerebral palsy.

The circumstances surrounding his birth and early childhood are set down as told to him by his father and mother. The difficulties he experienced as a victim of cerebral palsy, first as a young man and later as a mature adult, are based on his own narratives. All characters were at one time, or are still today, living men and women. In some cases their real names are given. In others they are not. Conversations are not verbatim because of the lapse in time but they are structured to accurately reflect their meanings in the context given. Names of towns and cities are correct, as are dates given.

This story is written so all who read it can appreciate the true meaning of living within one’s abilities. These writings began in the early 1980’s and although Neil H. Tasker lived a full life from 1910 to 1995, his story lives on as a symbol of hope and fulfillment. As you follow his life’s journey you will understand the pain, joy, love and compassion felt by someone born with a handicap. When you have finished this story, whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or of any other conviction, you will find an awakening from within that will give you a new outlook on your faith, life, and dreams.

                                                         Wayne C. Long
                                                         Endwell, NY
                                                         January 2008

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     Life in the Body God Gave Me 
 by  Wayne C. Long     Email: author@wclong.com