Planets, Transplants, and Autocorrect

Raising Three Daughters While Dancing Around Death and Divorce

By: Douglas Swinford

Narrated by: Brian Morrow

Diagnosed with advanced liver disease, coupled with a fracturing marriage, a father of three young girls knows there's no time to engage in anxiety or self-pity. Doug laughs between the tears as he pulls every ounce of courage possible to face the biggest tests of his life.

In the chaos of fighting the sneaky, methodical liver disease that threatens to kill him, Doug wrestles with divorce, parenting three daughters, and trying to make the most out of life.

Somehow, the prospect of dying feels more natural than divorce, but as the love fades in his marriage, Doug realizes that perhaps his wife is simply the one with the courage to say so.

But their marriage produces three healthy daughters, so a mission exists to see to their fruitful upbringing. Doug clings to life as he attempts to fulfill his paternal duties.

Planets, Transplants, and Autocorrect dives into single parenting, dating misfires, remarriage, and trying to maintain a sense of humor throughout all that life throws at us, even when the outcome may look grim at times.

Follow Doug from desperation in the Barnes-Jewish ICU to his white-knuckle driving experience on the highly banked corners at Daytona Motor Speedway. You will find inspiration in both the tragedy and blessings that come Doug’s way in this slice-of-life memoir about overcoming the odds and living life to the fullest.

©2023 Douglas Swinford (P)2025 Douglas Swinford

Honest, Hopeful, and Heartfelt Resilience Must

Douglas Swinford's life since young adulthood was seriously challenging. A high school graduate in southern Illinois doesn't make much money, and while he had a solid job with benefits, he was also diagnosed in his 20's with a life-threatening liver disease requiring the first of three liver transplants and an accompanying later kidney transplant, his wife wanted a divorce, and the couple had three young children. Doug couldn't imagine life without his kids; the result was a harmonious custodial agreement.

Despite fevers, chills, ongoing fatigue, hospital stays, never-ending lab tests, blood plasma cancer, macular degeneration, minor (but annoying) medical issues, and more ambulance rides across the state than anyone wants, Doug continued to work, raise the girls to successful adulthood, dance whenever possible, and attend night school for years to earn an Associate's Degree. No whining or blaming, just gratitude for friends, co-workers, and family members who rallied when he needed help. His ability to show thanks, share his good sense of humor, and demonstrate his strong faith enabled him to live life to its fullest, something that continues. Doug is a "people guy" and always thought of himself as a "family man". He had a few derailments in the relationship department until he met Lynne, a fabulous wife, help-mate, and dancer. They carry on with grace and gratitude, enjoying their kids and grandchildren, all of whom have been incredible support.

Narrator Brian Morrow is a good choice for this book. His pace allows listeners to engage and understand the medical struggles without becoming maudlin. He doesn't overact, but tells the story with Doug's honest reflections. Morrow has the right southern Illinois accent, channeling Doug's story. (Don't personally know Doug, but my husband grew up in Mattoon, IL, so I know it when I hear it.)

If someone you know is dealing with chronic, possibly life-ending challenges, give them this book in whatever form they will use. It may be a life-changer, and I suggest you listen (best) or read it as well. Life is fragile, and resilience is key. Everyone needs all the help we can get. Nobody knows this more than Doug. He's a Master Class teacher.

Didn’t want to stop listening

It’s amazing what the author lived through. Also a testament to what modern medicine can do. For anyone facing a very difficult challenge, there is a lot of hope and inspiration in this story.

narration very well done

I enjoyed very much the narration of this book. Having read the book prior, the narration really brings this story to life.

Faith, Hope, Perseverance, and Humor

Wow! Against all odds, Doug’s unwavering faith and sense of humor carry him through illness, divorce, raising kids and multiple organ transplants. His book serves as a beacon of hope for everyone! He helps us all understand the value in making lemonade out of a whole tree of lemons, even when the tree keeps throwing lemons at you around every turn! His outlook and attitude will encourage self reflection and spark a desire to appreciate what you have in your life!