Donald Thornton was a ditchdigger who wanted more for his six daughters, saying:
"I love you better than I love life," he assured his children. "But I'm not always gonna be around to look after you, and no man's gonna come along and offer to take care of you because you ain't light-skinned. That's why you gotta be able to look after yourselves. And for that you gotta be smart."
Donald decided to do the grandest thing he could think of: force them to make a success of their lives. Along with their mother, Tass, he cajoled and inspired the girls to succeed while working two full-time jobs to keep them properly fed and clothed. All six became successful, independent, accomplished women: two of his six daughters became doctors, one became a dentist, one a lawyer, one a nurse, and one a court stenographer.
The Ditchdigger's Daughters is the inspirational story of a family with a strong role model who set family values about all else. Donald's persuasive common sense, folk wisdom and right-on insights gave them the skills they would need to overcome obstacles in their paths to success.
Reviews
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This is the heartwarming and inspirational true story of a father, a ditchdigger by trade, who would have done anything humanly possible to help his six daughters succeed in life. He knew that, as women of color, their paths would be difficult, so he found a unique way of providing them with excellent educations. Fran Washington warms the heart with colorful storytelling. Her character transitions are flawless and bring each personality to life. Her portrayal of Donald, the devoted father, is especially vivid, charming the listener with his old-fashioned adages and insights. B.J.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
About the Author
Donald's daughter, Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton, is the Director of The Perinatal Diagnostic Testing Center at Morristown (NJ) Memorial Hospital, and a professor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Thornton lives in Teaneck, New Jersey. Jo Coudert is a playwright and the author of four other books, including Advice from a Failure and Go Well, The Story of a House. She lives in Califon, New Jersey.
Digital Rights Information
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All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
The Ditchdigger's Daughters
by Yvonne S. Thornton, M.D.
