The Lost Years and the Diary of Randy Rutherford explores the impact that childhood abuse can have on the choices and behaviors of women. In this thought-provoking memoir, Signs explores the effect that her own childhood abuse had on her later, including her alcohol and amphetamine addiction. She also reflects on the way that her own father’s abuse led her to relationships with men who were also psychologically and mentally abusive to her. During her third marriage, Signs developed a deadly staff infection that lead to necrotizing fasciitis. Signs survived the infection, but her marriage did not. Signs discusses her complicated relationships with her children, including Randy, who ultimately succumbed to AIDS. Randy’s personal diaries are also included at the conclusion of this touching memoir.

About the Author

Marilyn V. Signs was a foster grandparent for many years, working with Pre-K students in an elementary school in Austin, Texas. She also raised Arabian horses for many years, including one who became a top ten stallion, and she belonged to the U.S. Golden Gate Arabian Horse Association of Santa Rosa, California. She graduated from Santa Rosa’s Psych Tech Program and then worked at several psychiatric wards. Signs was married four times and has four children, including Randy, who passed away and whose diaries are included in her memoir.