Without exception, every family has its stories. Some are funny and some are sad, but most of them live and die with the family. Barbara Sando Hynum’s family has a story that caused her deep emotional pain. She sees her new book as therapy, not only for herself, but for others with similar experiences.
“My Brother’s Daughter” is Hynum’s first book, and it’s an autobiography.
“The book was inspired by my uncle, George Gingerich Sando, who became ill at age 96 and could no longer live independently,” Hynum told LebTown. “I became involved in my uncle’s care and helped to determine he needed care at a skilled nursing facility in Lebanon.”
The book stems from a diary Hynum kept while tending to her uncle in the final years of his life and addresses the difficult process of overcoming internal family struggles and strife.
Hynum lives in Fredericksburg with her husband, Don. They share three acres of land with two ponies, a horse, three dogs and a cat. She is retired from administrative positions at Philhaven Hospital and the Penn State College of Medicine/Hershey Medical Center, and has lived most of her life in Lebanon County.
When she’s not writing (she is working on two new books), Barbara enjoys playing the piano. After 60 years of practice, she’s quite good at it, and shares her talent at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and a nearby nursing home.
“My main passion is horseback riding,” Hynum said. “I’ve done it for over 50 years and continue to do it.”
Hynum is a certified professional trainer with the United States Hunter/Jumper Association. In the past, she has showed horses and trained horses and riders. She also enjoys fox hunting, she said.
Barbara hopes readers will find “My Brother’s Daughter” relatable.
“Everything I experienced in the book has been experienced by others, at some point in their lives. It details my journey through turmoil, pain, and finally, a resolve. There is a way to successfully come out the other side.”
“My Brother’s Daughter” was written over a period of about three years, with another nine months dedicated to editing and publishing. It’s available as a paperback or eBook at numerous online book sellers, including the publisher, Dorrance Publishing Company.
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