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Dorothy Winans 'Dede' Davis had worried, fussed, and obsessed for the last time. Her heart stopped beating in a fit of anxiety, soon after her wobbly legs gave way. In the wake of his mother's death, Tom Davis knew one thing: Helplessly self-absorbed and severely obsessive compulsive, Dede led a tormented life. She had moved from nursing home to mental institution in recent years, but what really caused her death? The story of a loving family coming to grips with its own fragilities, A Legacy of Madness relays Tom Davis's journey to uncover, and ultimately understand, the history of mental illness that led generations of his suburban American family to their demise. Investigating his mother's history led to that of Davis's grandfather, a top administrator at one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country; his great-grandfather who died of self-inflicted gas asphyxiation during the Depression; and his great-great grandmother who, with her eldest son, completed suicide one tragic day.
About the Author
I am the President/CEO of CHILDREN'S HOPECHEST (www.hopechest.org) , an international child advocacy organization bringing God's hope and love to orphans around the world. Our work is focused in Russia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Swaziland, and South Africa. HopeChest helps churches and corporations around the U.S. adopt an orphanage and make a real difference in the lives of orphans. Before joining CHILDREN'S HOPECHEST, I was a pastor for ten years, serving on the staff of several well-respected churches in Dallas, Texas, including Metroplex Chapel and Hillcrest Church. I have also been a professional trainer in leadership development training Fortune 500 CEO's and their executive staffs. Currently, I've authored four books: Fields of the Fatherless, Red Letters, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, and Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the world, the first in a three part series. I've been married to my wife, Emily, for 13 years and we have 6 children--including one adopted daughter from Russia. You can keep up with me on my blog: www.cthomasdavis.com
