I had the great honor of having my dad, Jack Rossmann, record my memoir, I Couldn't Tell You, for Radio Talking Books at Minnesota Services for the Blind where he has volunteered for over twenty years. The program provides access to books and stories for people who are blind or visually impaired, and knowing my words could reach listeners in this way touched me more than I can fully express.
The book explores the emotional impact of caregiver trauma and the realities families face when navigating long-standing complex medical and mental health conditions. Writing it was both painful and healing, and my hope has always been that readers and caregivers feel less alone in their own experiences.
Yesterday, we shared another special moment together — he interviewed me about the book.
Sitting across from my dad, talking about such personal experiences, felt surreal and emotional. There was something incredibly powerful about hearing him give voice to a story that was once so difficult for me to tell.
Ironically, the interview itself will only be heard by listeners through the Radio Talking Books program, so most people will never hear the conversation. But I still wanted to acknowledge the experience because it meant so much to me personally and as an author.
I’m grateful we captured a few photos during the interview, and I’ll be sharing them here on my website as a reminder of this unforgettable day — a father and daughter connected not only by family, but through storytelling, healing, and the importance of being heard.
— Sarah Deschamps