Tripping with Nathan: a Different Love Story

Meet Nathan, and his parents Valerie and Robin, an extraordinary family that will take you on an epic journey of adventure, daring and love. Their story will make you laugh and make you cry. Born with cerebral palsy, Nathan spent his life in a wheelchair, requiring 24/7 care. He and his parents were up against government inertia and entrenched community attitudes that stigmatise the disabled rather than seeing their potential to live life to its fullest. Nevertheless, Nathan and his parents saw the Rolling Stones, visited orangutans in Borneo, travelled to Costa Rica, the USA and Fiji, and went skiing in Falls Creek. He was even given a starring role in the Commonwealth Games as one of the opening ceremony dancers. This is a story of resilience and determination, with lessons that will help us all understand that people with disabilities have an inalienable right to contribute in the community in which they live. _____ Tripping with Nathan is one of the most important books I have ever read. It’s a big call but let me explain. Nathan Runyan-Tait is a young man with severe cerebral palsy. He has a brain injury which results in very limited control of his limbs. He is unable to walk, he gets around in a wheelchair and he is dependent for all his needs on his parents and a small group of carers. Despite all of this, he is a cheerful young man, who enjoys life with his remarkable parents, Robin and Valerie. I have spent most of my professional life looking after children with cerebral palsy of all ages, all stages and all levels of severity. I thought I knew a thing or two about my job but I learnt more by reading Tripping with Nathan than I ever did from reading my textbooks or from my teachers. Hence the big call. Tripping with Nathan is a heartwarming, challenging, bitter-sweet account of the challenges and rewards of being a parent and caring for a child with severe cerebral palsy. This is an epic story in four parts. It is told intelligently, with gritty realism and with humour. I laughed out loud and I shed a tear (or two). It’s not for the faint hearted but will reward the reader! Go tripping with Nathan, Valerie and Robin!” – H. Kerr Graham MD, FRCS (ED), FRACS Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne A candid story of a father’s journey to accepting his son’s disabilities and how a wonderful life, powered by love slowly unfolded. Tripping with Nathan reconnects us with our humanity. It’s a heartfelt antidote to the challenging times we find ourselves in. – Danielle Loizou-Lake, Paper Planes Support Coordination, member of the West Australian Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability Told with great honesty and humour, Tripping with Nathan tells a story of hope and triumph and, through unerring determination, of life lived to its fullest through the power of family to overcome all odds. Nate, Val and Rob have taught me many lessons in my life and their values are the foundation of this book. This includes the importance of never giving up, fighting injustice, endless positivity, adaptability, commitment, and love. It has been one of life’s great honours to share some of this family’s journey in what has been a formative relationship for shaping the way I interact with family, friends, and the broader community. Tripping with Nathan is essential reading for anyone facing challenges or in need of inspiration, guidance, and comfort. This book contains powerful lessons about compassion and humanity for all readers regardless of life stage or circumstance. A reminder to live every moment, our time is but too short. Essential reading for humans everywhere. – Steven Allender PhD, Deakin University Wow! I was hooked from the opening line. A must read for 2022. – Renee Price, Read by Renee