Surviving Sue by Dr. Vicki Atkinson
Book Blurb: “Surviving Sue” is a heart-wrenching story about the torment of keeping secrets, told from the daughter’s perspective. She navigates her mother’s mental health and addiction issues, while trying to shield and protect her disabled sister.
“Surviving Sue” is about the power of storytelling to build resiliency, and a guidebook for others who struggle with complex family issues including Alzheimer’s, depression, alcoholism, developmental and physical disabilities.
My Thoughts
The author survived 54 years of living with her mother Sue who, year by year, sank into madness–alcoholism, pills, controlling and secret behavior, tirades, webs of lies, casting blame, even tethering a disabled daughter into it all. Not only has the author, Vicki Atkinson, emerged a still-healing survivor, she advocated for her mother for years, when she could, and for her disabled sister.
Vicki continues to share her story at speaking engagements and through her inspiring blog, Victoria Ponders. Her resilience and winsome sense of humor are inspirations to her readers and followers. She brings joy and encouragement to everyone she comes in contact with.
Vicki has degrees in counseling and psychology as well as a doctorate in adult education. What she successfully survived has made her an effective licensed professional counselor, as well as a leadership and life coach.
Her own adult daughter observed the mayhem her grandmother Sue inflicted, so Surviving Sue is helping the next generation–and also her followers–with a legacy of coming to terms with a family member with severe mental illness.
The Author
Dr. Atkinson (Vicki) earned degrees in counseling and psychology and a doctorate in adult education. Vicki is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a leadership and life coach in private practice. Vicki lives near Chicago with her husband Paul and her daughter, Delaney, who continues to be the light of her life. Vicki’s beloved sister with disabilities, Lisa, continues to thrive, delighting friends and family with her big heart and sense of humor.
Recently Vicki was a guest of John Busbee on The Culture Buzz. I think you would enjoy listening to their 15 minute interview.
Dr. Vicki Atkinson has a professional website for her Atkinson Group personal and professional development.
It is amazing that Vicki turned out so well, with all she grew up dealing with. I wish her the very best with this latest endeavor.
Thank you, GP. Vicki is just a delight!
GP — thank you so much! ❤️
You are more than welcome.
Honored, humbled and grateful to you Joy for all of your support and kindness. Much love! ❤️
Bless you, Vicki. Here’s hoping for new followers for your encouraging self!
Much love! Thank you, dear Joy! ❤️
Vicki’s story is inspiring. I taught many kids from dysfunctional home situations whose lives did not turn out this well. The family dynamics between a loving stepdad, a narcissistic, unstable mother, and her curious relationship with her daughters make for compelling reading.
You are so right, Pete. Vicki’s resilience is so refreshing!
Thank you again, Joy! ❤️
This is such fun!
Love you! 🥰
Thank you, Pete! ❤️
I’m so pleased to see Vicky’s book featured here. I wish her all the best with it.
Bless you, Darlene!
❤️❤️❤️
🥰❤️🥰
Wonderful job of describing Vicki’s courageous story, Joy! We are so lucky to have such a loving, insightful, and dear writer actively working to help all of us see the complicated, sometimes painful and sometimes beautiful pieces that when gathered together create the stained-glass images of a creation the sun can still shine through. Vicki does that, and so do you!
Oh, Lori, you’re an angel. Bless you for such encouragement!
Blessings to you, Joy!
My goodness! You are poetic, Lori! And I love your praise for our dear Joy!
Yes! 🥰
😻
Big love
💝
It’s heartwarming to learn about Vicki’s life, Joy.
Thanks, Tim. It sure is!
It takes a very strong person to survive that kind of family dysfunction successfully.
It sure does, Liz, but Vicki has become more than a survivor. She’s such a winsome encourager for others!