Book details

  • Genre:biography & autobiography
  • Sub-genre:People with Disabilities
  • Language:English
  • Pages:288
  • eBook ISBN:9798317835422
  • Paperback ISBN:9798317829322

I Can't Do This!

When One Hour Changes Everything: A Story of Resilience and Renewal

By Marian M.H. Rutt

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Overview

Marian Rutt invites readers into the joys and heartbreaks of family life, moments of laughter, loss, and new beginnings. Through decades of caregiving, career growth, and personal transformation, I Can't Do this reminds us that strength often whispers instead of shouts. This is more than one woman's story. It's a tribute to every caregiver, and every person who's ever whispered "I Can't Do This," and then found a way forward.
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Description

When Marian Rutt gave birth to her medically fragile son, Philip, her world shifted in a single hour. What followed was a life shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and profound love. In the wake of Philip's traumatic birth, Marian and her husband, Phil, made the brave decision to grow their family. In this heartfelt memoir, Marian shares the journey of a mother navigating the complexities of raising a special needs child, balancing a thriving real estate career, giving birth to their second son, Peter, and adopting their daughter, Liz, from Vietnam, while finding joy in unexpected places. This is more than one woman's story—it's a tribute to every caregiver and every person who's ever whispered, "I Can't Do This," and then found a way forward.
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About The Author

Marian Rutt is a seasoned real estate professional, mother of three, and lifelong advocate for children with disabilities. With over three decades of experience, she built a thriving career while navigating the complexities of raising a medically fragile child. Marian and her husband, Phil, are proud parents to Philip, Peter, and Liz—each of whom holds a story that has shaped their family in unique ways. Marian's writing is inspired by her faith, her fierce love for family, and her desire to encourage others through honesty, grace, and resilience. "I Can't Do This! I Can" is her first memoir.
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Book Reviews

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Kristen
A story of resilience and grace This book provides a glimpse into the life and heart of a woman who has navigated significant challenges in her life with faith and grace. Marian is a gifted writer - she never fails to express words of gratitude in the midst all she and her family have faced.  Her fierce love and commitment to her family is deeply evident and her resilience, inspiring. Her heart is on full display on every page. A must read. Read more
Judy
Judy Shatzer Marian’s book teaches us that acceptance and perseverance allows us to walk through life’s challenges with grace and purpose! A must read! Read more
Anna
I Can’t Do This! I Can Written with such love, this heartfelt memoir captures both tearful pain and moments of laughter with honesty and grace. Marian beautifully shares the struggles, joys, and realities of life with her handicapped son, Philip, while revealing the deep, unfaltering love that carried her family through the ebb and flow of life. Her resilience, advocacy, and unconditional love for Philip shine through on every page. I am honored to call Marian a dear friend and deeply moved by her story. Read more
Elizabeth
Inspirational and Helps Me Daily Marian Rutt's "I can't do this! I can" has been such a wonderful gift to myself and blessing to read. I use her life examples every day when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This book truly makes you appreciate the beauty of life and to never take it for granted!! I have been brought to tears many time reading it and it has helped me personally get through difficult times this week, giving me courage and clarity, as I have been inspired by her words and overflowing love for her family that continues to radiate onto the reader throughout. This book is a real treasure of mine and feel like I was meant to read this and so grateful I did!! Read more
Gloria
Compelling Marian has lived a life filled with vision, dedication, resilience, and inspiration. I am in awe of all the ways in which she has chosen to live in a full and rich, compelling and compassionate, manner of being. And I am grateful she has dared to share her story and to trust her readers with her experiences with pain and transcendence. Read more
Janet
Determination and Resilience This heartwarming and inspirational memoir is written with remarkable honesty as Marian faces significant obstacles and challenges throughout her journey -- a story of courage, resilience and hope. I found it encouraging and inspiring to move from the thought of “I can’t do this” to “I can”--a testament to Marian’s determination, faith and the sustaining power of community. Read more