Most honest stories embody confident, joyful strides keeping company with hesitant scramblings through dark nights of the soul. Scott Hughes captures the chaotic struggle found in living authentically within each footfall. A father’s and family’s day-to-day trek alongside a daughter bent low just as young hopes set out invites us to journey in our own deep doubts whispering prayerful protests. Scott gives light for the path when best-laid plans falter. He tends our tomorrows as he discovers daily practices in taking one more step.

—Chaplain David Blackmon, MDiv/MHA
Asheville, North Carolina

A rare and unapologetically honest account of trauma, anger, grief, and rehabilitation by a stroke victim and her immediate family. Storyteller Hughes privileges the reader with access to personal confession, family frustration, and medical intervention amidst a crisis of faith and patchwork healthcare system. Besides telling a captivating and tender story, Hughes offers hard-earned wisdom for any family facing drastic loss and the death of long-held dreams. Just like his relentless daughter, Hughes shines uncommon light on the blessing to be found along an unanticipated and unenviable journey.

—Casey Callahan
Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church
Asheville, North Carolina

In Finding Venice, Scott Hughes unflinchingly tells the true story of the worst thing a parent can experience—the suffering of their child. Rather than being paralyzed by pain, Scott has crafted this book for other parents and caregivers who find themselves shoved off the road they thought they were traveling. I hope this book will find its way into the hands of those who could benefit from Scott’s experience, practical advice, and most of all, his compassion.

—Rev. Dr. Jenny Lee
Minister of Word and Sacrament, PC(USA)
Pastor of Pocket Presbyterian Church
Sanford, North Carolina

Finding Venice is not for the faint of heart, and it shouldn’t be. If you need to be an advocate and cheerleader for a loved one in crisis, this is the book for you. Thank you to Scott Hughes for putting to word the experiences of the Hughes (and Miller) family around Megan’s stroke. Our prayer is that it will help many others going through a health crisis to never give up hope and celebrate baby steps along the recovery way.

—Jon & Kim Miller

Scott Hughes is one of the finest people I’ve been privileged to know. To be his friend and to experience his integrity, faithfulness, thoughtfulness, and good humor are gifts I cherish. This book is an honest account of a harrowing but also hopeful journey that Scott and his wife, Linda, have traveled—and continue to travel—with their remarkable daughter, Megan. Scott is candid about his nagging doubts and expresses gratitude for his persisting faith. He tells us about his questions and shares with us his hard-earned wisdom. He lets us see his tears and hear his laughter. He bears witness to the importance of community and the power of love—human, divine, and canine (!).

—Guy Sayles
Writer, speaker, and consultant
fromtheintersection.org

As an eyewitness to the incredible journey recounted in this book, I can wholeheartedly confirm both the unfailing fortitude of Megan Hughes and the deep faith of her father, Scott. The skill, transparency, and inspiration of Scott’s words in telling their story make this book truly compelling. To all who have experienced an unexpected change in their life’s destination, he tells unflinching truth, offers vulnerable identification, shares first-hand advice, and gives a powerful faith witness.

—Clark Sorrells
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church, Asheville, North Carolina