Wildflower: A Tale of Transcendence

Abducted by her mentally unstable mother, one girl forages her way to the top. "A gripping account of triumph over adversity that may inspire you to 'dream an impossible dream!'” -Martha Quinn, original MTV VJ, host of the Martha Quinn Morning Show on iHeart80s @ 103.7, San Francisco "Everyone who loves great literature should read this heart wrenching memoir." - Sean McNamara: Director, Producer: Soul Surfer, The Miracle Season, Spare Parts, Reagan Spending the night in Juvie wasn't the worst thing to happen to seven year old Teresa that summer. When her much-anticipated cross-country vacation turns to abduction, Teresa is forced to care for her mother, sister and twin brothers. Homeless, abused, and afraid in the slums of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, Teresa finds joy in her adventures while fantasizing of a better life. Keeping this dream alive throughout her childhood is what drives her to end the cycle of abuse and poverty. Review ♥ “In Dr. Teresa Van Woy’s memoir, Wildflower, a quote begins each chapter of her journey from destitute child with a maniacal mother to successful physician with a loving family. Reading about her dreaming of a happier life when it seemed like there was no way out of the cycle of abuse, brought to mind a quote I’d like to contribute from the classic song, The Quest: To dream the impossible dream, To fight the unbeatable foe, To bear with unbearable sorrow, To run where the brave dare not go. As a little girl facing struggles most of us can never imagine, Teresa bravely allowed herself to dream when dreams seemed impossible. In doing so, she created a path to a life that’s now a testament to choosing positivity and envisioning possibilities. Today, the little girl from the streets of San Francisco, lives a loving, fulfilled life close to the very city she once wandered alone and lost. Dr. Teresa Van Woy’s, Wildflower is a gripping account of triumph over adversity, and may inspire you to dream an impossible dream!” -Martha Quinn, original MTV VJ, host of the Martha Quinn Morning Show on iHeart80s @ 103.7, San Francisco ♥ “Teresa Van Woy is a writer with extraordinary emotional range. She conveys the darkest realities of her childhood experiences yet somehow takes me with her on a heroic journey that is hopeful. Everyone who loves great literature should read this heart wrenching memoir that proves you are not saddled with your past. You can decide to reinvent yourself and flourish as you travel to adulthood.” - Sean McNamara: Director, Producer: Soul Surfer, The Miracle Season, Spare Parts, Reagan ♥ “Teresa’s success is a testament of the faith and love God has for her. Her story offers hope and inspiration to many.” - Brother Paul McCarthy, CCT, nephew of Fr. Alfred Boedekker, founder of St. Anthony’s Dining Room, San Francisco About the author Dr. Teresa Van Woy currently lives in Benicia, California with her husband and three daughters. She is a board certified podiatrist with a passion for world travel, writing, photography, martial arts and wood working. Wildfloweris her first book. Excerpt. © Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Pushing hard into the pavement, I bolted past bums lying along the buildings, jumped over pieces of newspaper blowing in the breeze, and dodged all kinds of other trash as I sprinted after the bus. My lungs burned from the early morning chill, but that didn’t stop me. Nothing was going to stop me. A shout from the other side of the street broke my concentration. One of the bums, the scary kind who screams cuss words out loud. I shouldn’t have looked. Read more View Less