Rough Waters

"[Markham] writes with humor and exuberance. An honest and encouraging narrative about seizing life, no matter your limitations."
—Kirkus Reviews

“Heather’s story is a captivating exploration at how living with a disability is like looking in a mirror showing the unfiltered truth of who you are. Heather defied all expectations by believing in herself.”
—Peta Hooke, host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast

“In Rough Waters, Markham takes her readers on a journey of loss, transformation, and growth. Her wit, dark humor, and intelligence shine in this memoir about thriving with a progressive disease. Rough Waters is for anyone who wants an equally authentic and hope-filled story.”
—Jenny Smith, author of Live the Impossible: How a Wheelchair Has Taken Me Places I Never Dared to Imagine and blogger at Jenny Smith Rolls On

“Rough Waters is the memoir of a young woman who spent years seeking a diagnosis, then continued fighting to survive it with a zeal most of us could not muster. Heather is annoyingly persistent, shamelessly bold, and a tireless advocate for those with disabilities, even as her own body betrays her. The book was impossible to put down as I had to know what new and amazing thing she would accomplish in the next chapter. A story of faith and resilience to inspire us all.”
—Ranette H. Halverson, PhD, professor emeritus, Midwestern State University, Texas

“I’ve been an occupational therapist who has worked in assistive technology with thousands of clients with all kinds of disabilities for over forty years. Part of the job is to get to know people’s “stories,” so that you know what direction to go in with your recommendation (so the technology will actually work the way the client needs it to). This story, the way Heather writes it, is so moving, so funny, so real. She takes us on a journey and shares the lessons she learned. She slowly builds upon her inner conversations and experiences as her physical body fails her in a way that allows the reader to understand the turmoil they might never outwardly see in a person living with a disability. I highly recommend this story!”
—Susan Johnson Taylor, occupational therapist, ISWP certified, SJT Consulting

“Heather has a way of writing that draws you in not only to her inner thoughts but to the whole feeling of the situation and setting. In sharing her memoir, I felt all the feelings: frustration, laughter, sadness, excitement, and love. For those who may not be familiar with what it’s like to live with a disability, don’t think for a second that you can’t find common ground or relatability. Anyone can get a lot out of reading Heather’s memoir. Through sharing her story, Heather allows us all to glean a greater understanding and empathy for anyone who has a disability. As a medical professional, I feel that by reading Rough Waters, I have learned so many things that a degree can’t teach you. Thank you, Heather, for taking yet another exciting risk in your life and making a positive impact through your book!”
—Kelly Twichel, licensed occupational therapist, CEO of Access Trax

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