The PAIR Tree

About the Book

This book brings to the reader, a true story of Frederick A. York and Nancy Runyon-Yost, two people who came together during their middle adult years to form a relationship that withstood extreme personal challenges. Growing up with an alcoholic father and having been subjected to sexual abuse as a child and adolescent, limited Frederick´s ability to function well in the real world. This was followed by a series of empty relationships and a failed marriage, which only further added to his lack of self worth. In l978 , a horrendous crime in California nearly ended his life, leaving him a brain damaged and disabled individual. His own addiction to alcohol further contributed to his personal deterioration. This sensitive and musically talented man went through years of counseling to assist him in dealing with reality. It was this therapy, combined with his relationship with Nancy that evolved into the deep, caring committment that was greatly responsible for rebuilding and renewing his life. After a youth of music and art interests, Nancy married young and became a mother. After a divorce, she returned to college, earned two degrees and became a teacher and artist. She met Frederick in the late 60´s, after which she served as matron of honor at his wedding to her best friend. Years later after his marriage dissolved, and after the horrific trauma in California, he found her name and phone number in his journals. Having no memory of her, he contacted her, which resulted in their getting together and forging the relationship that changed both of their lives forever. Frederick´s brain damage made it impossible for him to function as he had in the past, and his fear of facing himself with his own shortcomings made every day extremely frightening for him. He drowned himself in alcohol, which only manifested itself in dark and distressing tirades which he inflicted on himelf, his family, and especially Nancy. Over 900 letters which were written by the pair, and excerpts from 30 years of his saved journals, were used to assist in creating their story. Through her support and reassuring love, Nancy helped Frederick to regain his memories, piano skills and self worth. This involvement was carried out over 25 years and demanded great perserverence on both their parts. In spite of the many frightening incidents that occurred, the humor and joy they shared along the way, provided the comic relief necessary to cope with the possible nightmare that always continued to lurk in the shadows. It is this remarkable alliance that is the basis for "The PAIR Tree."

About the Author

Nancy Runyon-Yost received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She taught Art from 1965-1990 in the Talawanda School System, with additional teaching positions at Dayton's Living Arts Center, Dayton, Ohio and Miami University's Rowan Art Center. In 1988 she began "Allegro Adornments" a one of a kind jewelry business that took her to over 150 Fine Art juried shows, where she sold over l0.000 of her named, numbered brooches. In 2000 she began a line of exotic painted furniture and boxes, quilted wall hangings, and collages which are sold in galleries and art shows. In March 2006, she published her first book "The PAIR Tree," a true story of her long term love relationship with Frederick A. York. He had been an actor and model in Hollywood, when he became a victim of a hit and run leaving him severely injured and brain damaged. Her alliance with him contributed greatly to his gaining his lost skills and especially his musical gift of playing piano. "Ascending Angel" is her second book and a sequel to "The PAIR Tree".