Out Of My Mind

Francis Ruiter, who came to Canada in 1948, is the author of Journal of a Dutch Immigrant. In his second book, Out of My Mind, Francis continues to recount stories of his past. In simple narrative and verse, he reflects on life's hopes and fears, sorrows and joys. In the final entry, "Facing Darkness," the author relates his confrontation with, and emotional triumph over, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. "Poetry is about our experiences, strength, and hopes. I admire your honesty and humor, and for smiling in the face of adversity. The world can enjoy and garner strength from you." Marilyne Smith, a reader About the Author: Francis Ruiter, now eighty years old, once heard his uncle read a funny poem at his parents' twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. He was impressed. In time, following his uncle's footsteps, Francis tried to write stories and poems, too. However, it wasn't until an accident forced him to slow down that he made his first attempts. At the age of fifty-eight, while riding his bike, he was hit by a truck and driven off the road. He became an amputee. Suddenly, having lost his ability to run or walk, and needing a release from boredom, he started writing.