By Anita O'Brien 2018
...because it's better
A mother’s story, and her son’s story. Anita O'Brien knew about the value of living within community. When Warren was born she had a mother’s dream for him to have a good life, but despite her vision for him she listened over the years to ‘other voices’ who limited his life opportunities because he had a disability. One day she did an about turn!
"...because it's better” to live my life within community is a sto- ry that illustrates that a good, inclusive life is possible if you be- lieve, hope and hold on to your vision.
In her, book Anita describes “breaking-through” or “breaking-away” from traditional services. This came about when Warren was 30 years of age and living in a group home. At the time Anita was 59! As Anita says “it’s never too late!!” This is a story about regain- ing and reigniting vision, community, faith and relationships. This is not only a book written from the heart, it gives great detail about vision, community, Circles of Support, Housemates, valued roles, living in a home of one’s own, self-direction, fostering the right supports and the art of asking!