Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Among them are parents, judges, legislators, social workers, child welfare executives, and teachers. The people who come to hear me speak often have special connections to the foster care system. Since everything I did as a kid became a part of my case file, attempts to discredit my word were written up as official documents and could have ruined any chances I had to be adopted or to lead a normal life.

Even more, I was branded a liar because nobody wanted to hear the truth. During my almost ten years in Florida’s foster care system I had no voice, even when I had something important-possibly lifesaving-to say. For some people public speaking triggers a primal fear, arousing the fight-or-flight response, but each time I face an audience I look forward to another chance to be heard. The ones I pity are the ones who never stick out their neck for something they believe, never know the taste of moral struggle, and never have the thrill of victory.Ī thousand eyes were staring, expectant and ready to listen to me. Whether she’s overcoming self-image issues, responding to calls asking for her to run for Senate, or dealing with continuing drama from her biological family, Ashley Rhodes-Courter never fails to impress or inspire with her authentic voice and uplifting message of hope. Having kids-from fostering children and the heartbreak of watching them return to destructive environments, to the miraculous joy of blending biological and adopted offspring. Now Ashley reveals the nuances of life after foster care: College and its assorted hijinks, including meeting “the one.” Marriage, which began with a beautiful wedding on a boat that was almost hijacked (literally) by some biological family members. Her memoir, Three Little Words, captivated audiences everywhere and went on to become a New York Times bestseller. In the sequel to the New York Times bestselling memoir Three Little Words, Ashley Rhodes-Courter expands on life beyond the foster care system, the joys and heartbreak with the family she’s created, and her efforts to make peace with her past.Īshley Rhodes-Courter spent a harrowing nine years of her life in fourteen different foster homes.

Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter