Author and former Catholic priest Rick Prashaw will be at the Masonic Lodge, across from the Centennial Arena on Saturday for the launch of his heartfelt book Soar, Adam, Soar.
Soar, Adam, Soar is the inspiring biography of his late son Adam, who died in 2016 at the age of 22 from an epileptic seizure and drowning. It’s the story of a transgender youth, his trials and tribulations and of his father dealing with the emotions and coming to terms with the life of the son he loved and lost.
From the moment he was born, Adam Prashaw’s life was full of surprises, according to a review of the book released by the author. Named at birth “Rebecca Danielle Adam Prashaw,” Adam spent his life capturing hearts with his humour, compassion, and intensity. A life he documented in a trove of social media posts detailing his relationships, transition from female to male, and struggles with epilepsy, all with remarkable transparency and directness. What’s more, after a tragic accident cut his life short, Adam as a registered organ donor left a legacy of saving four lives.
In Soar, Adam, Soar, Rick Prashaw retells Adam’s story alongside his son’s own words. From early childhood through coming out, first as a lesbian and then as a man, his battles with epilepsy and refusal to give in, the book chronicles Adam’s drive to define himself, his joyful spirit, and his love of life, which continues to conquer all.
The book has been described by a Toronto Star journalist as a clear indication - writing is brave.
“Any bravery I mustered to write this book is anchored in Adam whose courage defined his story though all its tomboy, lesbian, transgender, and epilepsy chapters, capped finally by a Shakespearian cruel weekend and then the remarkable organ donor news,” the author said in a blog about the book. “It’s a unique story that Adam tells himself too through dozens of social media posts.”
As part of his growth and acceptance of himself, Adam, in his final year, started posting his Rebecca pictures too, perhaps a recognition of how far he had come, the father added.
His parents looked forward to the birth of a son, based on a hunch from his wife Suzanne that all indications were, she was carrying a boy. They decided they would call the newborn Adam.
“We began to refer to this life in Suzanne as Adam,” Rick Prashaw said. “When the intern announced a girl, Suzanne, gobsmacked, sat up and asked whether the doctor was sure. We named “her” Rebecca Danielle Adam Prashaw. That is my child’s legal name. And boy, did “she” like having Adam in the name,” the author said.
Adam worked through the years to change his life as he realized he was not a woman, but a man, taking counselling, trans meds and legal name changes. Throughout his life he suffered from epilepsy, undergoing two brain surgeries in a bid to arrest the affliction which would eventually take his life. He drowned in a hot tub.
After his death, Rick read through Rebecca and Adam posts taken from seven years of his son’s life and are shared in the book. “If only people could see through another’s eyes and truly understand what they go through, think and see,” Adam wrote in 2015. “It’s not always as easy as it seems. We all need help, love and support. No judgment.”
The launch will start at 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 30, and will run until 3:30 p.m. with books available for sale and signing. The event will also include local speakers.