May Cause Drowsiness and Blurred Vision by Gloria Squitiro

Gloria Squitiro had a dream in the first segment of her narrative, a dream about Europe. Traveling to Europe is a common fantasy, especially for families with older kids who can carry their own bags and take care of themselves when necessary. A wonderful combination of vacation and business was in store.

Before the craziness of his mayoral campaign took over their lives, her husband Funk would conduct research for his grant while she would get to see “her place.” The fact that life is not a fairy tale is the only issue. It’s messy, hectic, and full of ups and downs, including flats that don’t live up to their online representations, fathers who are dying, family tension, and coping with worry and loss while attempting to enjoy and develop while in Europe.

Gloria accomplishes exactly that; she doesn’t immediately notice it, but she did truly develop her courage and bravery. I find it simple to daydream about travelling, living an amazing life, and sharing my experiences with others. I’ll look amazing abroad, but that’s not how life is. Gloria’s first chapter made me smile, cry, and reflect on the day-to-day choices I make.

RELATED STORIES

Perfectly Imperfect by Tarryn Nicole

10 Biographies and Memoirs About the British Royal Family

January 18, 2023

24.6k

East Winds by Rachel Rueckert

I have a choice in how I interpret my situation. I have the opportunity to fight for myself while also preventing the walls of my emotions and rage from growing and dividing me from the people I care about. While Europe cannot alter us, stepping outside of our comfort zone can help us recognise the power that has always existed within us.

Looking at our family members who are by our sides might give us the fortitude to bear agony. Recognizing that addressing sadness and disagreement with the people you love is never easy or ideal, but it is always worthwhile since it strengthens both the individuals and the group as a whole. As it did with Gloria, who returned home prepared to face the race that lay ahead, the journey helps us prepare for what lies ahead.

About The Book

They can throw her out, but they can’t shut her up! In 2008, Gloria Squitiro was legally banned from the Kansas City, MO City Hall, where her husband, Mark Funkhouser (“Funk”), was mayor. Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, USA Today, The Washington Post—even Great Britain’s left-wing The Guardian and America’s right-wing Rush Limbaugh—did stories about her.

Funk calls her “a skydiver afraid of heights”—someone who figures out how to spend a cost-free summer in Europe, arranges it all, but when it’s time to leave, has an anxiety attack walking out the door.

In this first volume of her humorous, sharp-witted, and brutally honest memoir, Gloria pushes past her fears, spends the summer abroad with her family—living far outside her comfort zone—before setting up a campaign office, and eventually, without any experience, helps Funk cross the finish line.

In sharing her story of courage and becoming her New and Better Self, Gloria hopes to inspire you to also step out in faith, to make a difference where it counts, and to stand up for others … and yourself.