As a writer Enid is not only open and caring but also fearless in shining a light on her own need for change and growth. And while her son’s homosexuality was the catalyst of her first book, “The Rest of the Way” it is about much more than that; it is a universal story exploring the sometimes fragile dynamics of family, a call for social justice for all, and it’s also a humorous yet poignant story of transformation. Enid shares her journey with you – and in doing so helps others find the courage to grow and change. There’s nothing preachy or false here – it’s a story of unconditional love – not a place Enid was born knowing, but a place she worked her tail off to get to. “The Rest of the Way” is inspiring and should be required reading for all.
Katie Ball, Producer for Central Florida StoryCorps, 2008, at WMFE
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In writing your book, you have created a bridge for other parents to cross and find the way back to their children.
Larry B., Orlando
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I just got your book from Amazon today and can’t put it down. You tell your story in such a beautiful heartfelt way. The story you share, the lessons you’ve learned, the growth journey you’ve taken is so clearly and sincerely described– I really think the book will be a help for many, many women and families whether they have gay children or not. It is really about a growth to acceptance of ourselves and others.
I also appreciate the way you give explanations in the book and I love your quotations. The book is also very inviting-I love the cover and title. To summarize– I love the book!!!!
Dr. Marilyn Shapiro, LMFT,LCSW
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Enid’s book — The Rest of the Way: A Coming Out Story for Parents and Gay Children — is a must-read for any parent whose child has just come out to them, and for gays and lesbians struggling with coming out to parents and family. The book teaches in the best possible way; through the disarmingly honest experiences of the author. Using her pain, struggles to understand, and willingness to change her thinking, Enid took what was at first heartbreaking news and turned it into the greatest growth experience of her life. And the book is a page-turner! Enid’s recounting of her initial rejection of her gay son is so vivid, one is compelled to read on to find out how this situation can be made right. And it is, in surprising, heartwarming, and oh-so-instructive ways.
Tom Dyer, Editor of Watermark, Central Florida’s Largest GLBT Newspaper
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The Rest of the Way: A Coming Out Story for Parents and Gay Children by Orlando area psychotherapist, Enid Jackowitz is a look at the process that many parents of a gay or lesbian child go through in coming to terms with the ‘coming out’ of their child. It is a book that can not only help parents going through that journey, but also can help gays and lesbians understand their parents’ struggle in a more compassionate way.
Give it to any family you know who has a gay or lesbian member. Give it to parents, children, grandparents, siblings, relatives, and even friends who can all learn from this book. Use it as a way to begin deeper conversations and build bridges back to one another and to your own deepest self. It can change your life and that of your family or friends.
Dawn Lipthrott, LCSW, Orlando
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I started reading your book Sunday nite and finished it Monday morning. I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, cried, saw a lot of myself in your story, especially in the way our worlds have been expanded and improved by our children’s coming out. I, like you, sometimes worry about how my life may have unfolded without my daughter pushing me to grow, expand my thinking, and entertain ideas I never thought I’d have to face.
What honesty and courage you have to present such a raw and unedited version of your heartfelt emotions! I really respect your directness, honesty, and the personal evolution you so clearly presented. And I applaud your strength and courage to tell the story.
I believe your book will be of great help to many people dealing with their children, and also many others struggling with a wide range of other issues.
Susan Pate, LMHC, Orlando
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I didn’t want this book to end. I couldn’t read it fast enough. I couldn’t put it down. It was my story, and my son’s story written so beautifully. I was a stranger to the Jewish faith, and I really appreciated the Yiddish Glossary. Enid put words to my deepest thoughts and fears. I only wish this book was written 20 years ago.
Lois RBM, Orlando
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This book is an excellent read for anyone – not just for parents of gay children or anyone in the gay community – but anyone who wants to understand the strength it takes to embark on a tough but awe-inspiring journey of self-awareness. Of course, it delves deeply into issues like homophobia and acceptance of gays not just within the community but within our personal hearts and lives but Enid opens up not just her external personal experience but provides a window into her own soul-baring examination and transformation. This transformative experience is a great message for anyone. And, if you are a parent of a gay person or a gay person having trouble gaining acceptance from your family members this should be on your must read list.
Pricilla Emery, Longwood
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Just to tell you how wonderful I think you are, bringing the whole subject of homosexuality to the fore, as it has never been done before. You deserve enormous thanks from all of us who have danced around the subject without ever really confronting it. You have truly neutralized it and when I think of the people you have helped personally and professionally I am even more awed!
Louise Sheehy, Author, Educator, Orlando
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You touched on so many facets of the “coming out” story for all of us…gays, lesbians, and parents…some people might use the word open-minded to describe your journey…but I think open-hearted is a more correct and apt term.
LLT, Orlando
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I cannot tell you how moved I was in reading your book. I know it will help many people respond to their children’s need to be loved, understood and accepted. Your honesty is striking in relating the story. What a journey you have taken and how lovely the arrival must have been.
Pat James, MA Workshop Leader, Educator, Orlando
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Thank you so much for sharing your story in The Rest of the Way. You are truly an inspiration and a beacon of hope for “children of the unaccepting” everywhere. If those parents were willing to go on the soulful journey that you and your husband did, what a different place the world might be! Thank you for your honesty and your understanding. I know it means a lot to your son and to countless others who your book has touched.
Britt B. Orlando
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Thank you for such a wonderful book as this helped me gain the power from within to come out!
G. C. Orlando PFLAG
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As the mother of a beautiful, vibrant gay daughter, I related to so many passages in this book. I was moved to share it with my ex-husband, in the hope that it will help him re-think his approach to our daughter, and help him journey the rest of the way.
DF, Orlando
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I purchased Enid’s book for our PFLAG chapter in Melbourne, FL. I always read the books we place in our library first. This book proved to be just as helpful for me, a lesbian woman, in my opinion, as it will be for parents of gay children. Enid’s story covers not just her struggle with her son coming out but also other issues that anyone in any family can relate to-relationships and self-esteem. Great job, Enid, thank you for all you do!
Lexi, Melbourne, PFLAG
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BRAVO!!!!
The book is a profound testimony to the love of two parents to their splendid son. It is also a testimony to our humanity, and to the embrace of every single human being in the fold of our planetary community. Your journey is courageous, inspiring, honest, vulnerable, and soulful. You and Syd are two powerful models of the true meaning of being a “Mensch”.
May you continue to help others along your bold and compelling journey.
With love and admiration,
Hedy and Yumi (Schleifer)
Internationally acclaimed leaders of The Adventure in Intimacy Workshop for couples.
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