“It’s raw, real, and deeply moving. As a parent, it opened my eyes but anyone who’s ever faced challenges will find it resonates.” - Amy Vincent
“Mark and his amazing family Mum Shirley, Dad Glenn, and Sister Corena share what it’s been like living life alongside Mark’s condition, Cerebral Palsy. Co-written with his childhood therapist Ian Hunter, it’s a powerful and insightful read. Mark, you are living proof that it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about what you do with it.” - Reader review
“From the first five sentences of the prologue, it is clear that this book is not going to gloss over the tough stuff. Wobbles story is absolutely a tale of triumph over adversity. It is packed full of the quirky humour that those of us lucky enough to know Wobbles have come to expect from him. But it is also the story of determined and single-minded parents who were prepared to do whatever it takes to give their young son the best chance ever of a life so much better than that which was predicted for him. As each family member shares their recollections of the course through Mark’s childhood it is clear with every chapter that they are all, without exception, gutsy and courageous. From Shirley’s heartbreaking memories and self-doubt and Glenn’s frustration over not knowing how to help, to Corena’s acceptance that this was what life was going to be like, it is impossible not to admire the dedication and support. And then there is Mark. Given the commitment of his parents, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he is made of the same tough stuff. Being able to view his life through a comedic lens makes for a thoroughly entertaining read. Thanks to Ian Hunter for putting it all together in one book and thanks to the Wilson’s for their unadulterated honesty. Don’t pick it up until you have time to read it to the end as you won’t want to stop!” - Lynne Bjarnesen
“The book is amazing. I’m only a quarter in. But it is such a good read. I love the different voices. It adds to a full comprehension of the epic start of his life. Jeez. Quite a story. And I like the way the various medical options are covered. There are some classic moments like Mark with the dastardly bread clip. I have complained about it with two good hands. Brilliant writing. And the concert confrontation where the girlfriend shames her bloke and Mark lands up with a t-shirt…. to be continued.” - Reader review
“WOW what a journey. I was so entrenched in it. I had to keep reading. I’m blown away! Words cannot explain the emotional rollercoaster ride it took me on....I was laughing. I was crying...sad and happy. Mark, you are so courageous for sharing your story and so are your parents and sister. Congratulations!” - Sheryl Rout
“This biography is a gut-wrenching, yet powerful account of one young man's unflinching journey with cerebral palsy. With unapologetic honesty, he lays bare the harsh realities of living with a disability that shapes every aspect of his life. Surrounded by the unwavering support of his family who have been his rock throughout his ups and downs. He’s also benefitted from the expertise and care of his brain injury therapist, Ian Huner. Together they've helped Mark navigate the complexities of his condition. Through this raw and unvarnished narrative, we're forced to confront our own privileges and assumptions, and emerge with a deeper appreciation for the obstacles of life. A must read for anyone looking to broaden their perspective and challenge their own understanding of what it means to be human. Thank's for this incredible read Mark Wilson aka wobbles.” - Angela Porteous
“This is much more than a story about an individual overcoming adversity, although that story alone is well worth telling. It’s an unvarnished story of family life under unbearable strain - and the relationships that carried them all through.
The honesty of Mark's mother, Shirley, is searing. She names the thoughts parents often bury: the shame of believing she was failing, the exhaustion that hollowed her out, the moments she hated her life, herself, even, at the worst times, her son. Shirley admits to difficult truths: longing for breaks from Mark, and from the endless cycle of care. These brave confessions are a gift to other parents suffering in silence and shame, showing that despair is part of this particular parenthood landscape, not a sign of failing.
Glenn, Mark's father, carried his load differently: long hours at work, a quiet steadiness at home, and a solid knowledge of his son's driving passions and potential.
As for many parents raising a child with a disability, their marriage was stretched to its limits. And yet enough threads held: Shirley asking how Glenn was coping, Glenn reminding Shirley of the need to keep talking and reassuring her she wasn’t failing when she couldn’t believe it herself. Sharing their struggles, instead of feeling like they were further burdening each other, united and uplifted them both.
Corena, Mark’s sister, is part of this story too. Much of Shirley’s guilt came from the way Mark’s needs consumed everything, leaving little for his little sister, reminding us that siblings walk, and are shaped by, this journey too.
And then, at the heart of it, there's Mark. Cheeky, determined, with a sense of humour that carries them all: banter with his dad, drinking anecdotes with his mates, and vivid scenes of almost-dates. But that's only the surface. Below that, there's Mark's grit, humility, honesty, meaningful connections, sense of purpose and desire for giving back. Ingredients of a life well lived, and at a young age, regardless of how it began. Fast-tracked perhaps?
Ian, Mark's therapist, illustrates what's possible when care professionals can provide more than just a diagnosis and treatment. His developmental approach lays the foundations for Mark's future growth, also giving Mark's parents a shared destination and plan to get there. His simple mantra for Mark, “feel, don’t think”, teaches Mark to inhabit his body differently, opening up possibilities where others saw only limits. Ian's unwavering belief in Mark gave Shirley and Glenn something solid to hold onto, and his insistence on the need for volunteers and support, so they could also let go.
Mark’s remarkable achievements and eventual independence speak to progress being so very much more than milestones. It's about family, friends, support and community and the power of care that holds everything together.” - Elly Taylor, founder of Becoming Us (becomingusfamily.com)
