Resilience Amidst Silence: Becky Ellis on Growing Up with a WWII Veteran Father and Writing "Little Avalanches"

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How does growing up with a war veteran parent shape a childhood? Join us for an emotionally charged conversation with Becky Ellis, author of "Little Avalanches," as she recounts her journey growing up with a father who was a World War II veteran suffering from PTS. Becky vividly shares the profound impact her father's unspoken combat experiences had on her family dynamics, painting a poignant picture of resilience and the heavy emotional burden carried by veterans and their loved ones. You'll hear about the challenges she faced, from enduring dental procedures without Novocaine to learning to shoot a gun, and the complex relationship with her father, who struggled with alcoholism and demanded toughness.
In the second part of our episode, we explore the transformational journey Becky experienced as her father finally opened up about his wartime experiences at the age of 89, serving as the catalyst for her memoir. Becky discusses the importance of understanding the interconnected experiences of veterans and their families, emphasizing the need for empathy and communication to bridge the gap between them. Her heartfelt recounting underscores the lifelong impact of military service and offers hope for deeper understanding and connection. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, and the critical need for fostering open, empathetic conversations.

Capitoli

1. Growing Up With a War Veteran (00:00:00)

2. Sharing Veteran and Family Stories (00:14:40)