Man Shoes - Hardcover

Watson, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1599321742 ISBN 13: 9781599321745

Publisher: Advantage Media Group, 2011

Synopsis

The Inspiring, true story of one man's journey through loss and love, told with humor and heroism. A survivor of child abuse, upheaval and 13 foster homes, Tom Watson learned at an early age to overcome adversity. Rescued at the age of five by the Watson family, he found new hope and love that helped to heal his deep physical and emotional wounds. Encouraged by a community of supporters, Tom learned vital lessons in patience, perseverance, laughter and tradition. Years later, these lessons would be put to the ultimate test as Tom faced heartbreaking losses that threatened to destroy him. A stunning revelation of one man's determination to live life to its fullest, Man Shoes demonstrates that new beginnings are possible at any age and at any stage of life, no matter what obstacles get in the way. This story is an important reminder that we can live a better life and influence others to do the same! A must read for men of all ages, and for the women who love them.

 

About this title

About the Author:

Tom Watson is the Founder of Your Better Life, a company committed to empowering people to achieve greater success and live better, more fulfilled lives. Tom is also the Owner and President of Recreation Excellence, a highly successful recreation services and facility management company in Western Canada. Backed by a Masters Degree and three decades of upper level management experience, Tom is a dynamic coach, sought-after international speaker, creative consultant and positive team leader. He and his lovely wife Kathy are the proud parents of three sons, Brad, Kelly and Jordan. Tom and his family live in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

Review:

When my great friend, Adam Witty, approached me about writing the foreword for one of his favorite authors and clients, my interest was piqued. It’s not every day that Adam asks for a favor, so I knew this was a special circumstance. He told me a little bit about Tom, and some of our shared ideals, and then he said, “Just read the book. Tom’s story is impossible to put down. You’ll see.” He was right.
Tom Watson possesses a unique and powerful characteristic: optimism. This is very important to me personally, because several of my mentors have taught me that optimism is a choice; it’s a decision that we make on a daily basis. In the face of potentially paralyzing adversity, Tom chose optimism. He continues to make that choice every day – for the sake of his three boys, his wife, his business associates, friends and community. It was not an easy choice by any stretch of the imagination.
There is so much in these pages that resonates with me, both on a personal and professional level. Man Shoes is honest, it’s humorous, it’s inspiring...and as Adam promised, it’s impossible to put down. As the father of 19 children, 14 of which were adopted from four different countries, I have experienced firsthand how opening your heart and home to a child makes a lifelong difference. The power of changing lives through fostering and adoption was not lost on Mr. and Mrs. Watson, who brought little Tommy into their home when he was just five years old. Their home and their love became the anchor that would stabilize him through the stormy seas of life. Without it, Tom Watson would have been adrift.
The feeling of belonging, of feeling safe, of knowing that you are loved, and the importance of that security in the life of a small child are themes that dance throughout this heartfelt book. From childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood, Tom, like all of us, had some hard lessons to learn as he grew to fill the “Man Shoes” that allowed him to be a better husband and father. He speaks to both men and women about responsibility and what that looks like in each of those roles.
Tom exemplifies so many of the qualities that I value. Passion in what you do, in your career, in your family and in your faith. Truly loving what you do, as Tom does, spills over into all areas of your life and perpetuates the positivity that is so critical to being a role model to your children. The power of leading by example when molding the values of your children cannot be underestimated. Tom always brings a healthy dose of humor and characteristic devilishness to both the silly and the serious times.
Man Shoes in an invaluable, personal story of empowerment that will motivate readers to live their best lives. This book is for anyone struggling with the challenges of new parenthood or the responsibilities of adulthood. Watson’s book is a slam dunk!
—Pat Williams, Senior Vice-President The Orlando Magic, Orlando, FL
National Basketball Association (NBA)

About this edition

• Publisher: Advantage Media Group
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1599321742
• ISBN 13: 9781599321745
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 228