We Used to Dance

Loving Judy, My Disabled Twin

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
Cancel
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Oct 24 2023 | Archive Date Jan 04 2024
Biographies & Memoirs | Nonfiction (Adult)

Talking about this book? Use #WeUsedtoDance #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

Debbie and Judy are twins—but Judy was born with cerebral palsy, and Debbie was not. Despite the severity of Judy’s brain damage, her parents chose to keep her at home with her three siblings, and ultimately Judy lived at home with them well into adulthood. Even after her father died, she continued to stay with her mother, her care augmented by a succession of home attendants—until, that is, her doctor told Debbie that Judy’s care at home was wanting and she would not survive without nursing home care.

In We Used to Dance, Debbie tells of the emotional trauma she experienced when she was forced to place her sister—a sister unable to sit, stand, eat regular food, feed herself, use a bathroom, or make her needs and desires known through speech or other means—in a new and strange environment. Following Judy’s life in her new home as well as her past relationship with Debbie and the rest of their immediate family, this is a raw, personal memoir of love and guilt—and, ultimately, acceptance.

Debbie and Judy are twins—but Judy was born with cerebral palsy, and Debbie was not. Despite the severity of Judy’s brain damage, her parents chose to keep her at home with her three siblings, and...

Read More Read More

A Note From the Publisher

Born in the Bronx, New York, DEBBIE CHEIN MORRIS lived on Long Island (Plainview) for most of her adult life. The youngest (by five minutes) of four children, family has always been important to her. Married for forty-four years and since widowed, she is mother to three wonderful sons and has two amazing daughters-in-law and an adorable granddaughter. Ms. Morris worked in the field of early childhood education, receiving master’s degrees from Queens College, Hofstra University, and Bank Street College of Education. Her work included classroom teacher to preschool and kindergarten children and reading teacher to kindergarteners needing extra support. Ms. Morris is retired and loves to take walks in nature, solve New York Times crossword puzzles, and knit blankets for charity. She currently resides in Mt. Kisco, New York, with her new partner.

Born in the Bronx, New York, DEBBIE CHEIN MORRIS lived on Long Island (Plainview) for most of her adult life. The youngest (by five minutes) of four children, family has always been important to her...

Read More Read More

Advance Praise

“A breathtaking tribute to the power of sisterly love. This story will grip your heart and not let go.”

—Diana Kupershmit, author of Emma’s Laugh: The Gift of Second Chances – A Memoir

“I have never read a more honest account of having a sibling with a severe disability than We Used to Dance. Morris not only vividly describes the relationship with her sister but discusses the powerful impact of that relationship on her own life. As the older sibling of a brother who had a significant cognitive disability, I was deeply moved by Morris’s descriptions of the conflicting emotions she experienced and the difficult decisions she had to make. I was in tears when I finished reading. I will remember Judy and Debbie for a long time.”

—Harriet S. Mosatche, PhD, author of Fingerprints on My Heart: How My Severely Disabled Brother Shaped My Life

“A heartfelt memoir about life with a severely disabled twin sister. This is a moving reflection on navigating the physical, emotional, and social challenges of an atypical life at home and in the ‘outside’ world. Full of love and profoundly moving. I laughed and cried; celebrated and grieved.”

—Teresa Sullivan, author of Mikey and Me: My Life with My Exceptional Sister


“A breathtaking tribute to the power of sisterly love. This story will grip your heart and not let go.”

—Diana Kupershmit, author of Emma’s Laugh: The Gift of Second Chances – A Memoir

“I have...

Read More Read More

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781647425739
PRICE $17.95 (USD)
PAGES 256

Links

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Additional Information

Average rating from 3 members

See all member reviews

Readers who liked this book also liked:

This site uses cookies. By continuing to use the site, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. You'll also find information about how we protect your personal data in our privacy policy.