Grief Grit Glory

A Mother's Extraordinary Journey From Heartbreak to HopePam was twenty-four, pregnant with her third child, and holding fast to a life built on faith, love, and promise--until everything changed with the birth of her son Jonny. Diagnosed at birth with CMV (Cytomegalic Virus) causing him multiple profound disabilities, Jonny's arrival shattered expectations and sparked a soul-deep reckoning: What does it mean to be a loving mother when caretaking takes her on an unknown path?In the golden light of her hometown in Napa Valley, where family and traditions run deep, Pam begins a journey that stretches far beyond the familiar and leads her on a trailblazing path that no one before her had sojourned. As caregiving strains her family and systems fail them, she carves a new model to parent Jonny--one that refuses to sideline parents or diminish the sacred role of family. She becomes an unlikely advocate, reshaping policy and possibility for children like Jonny, and for the invisible families who fight to stay whole.Told with unwavering honesty, Grief Grit Glory is more than a memoir. It's a testimony of fierce love and spiritual resolve--a story for anyone who's ever had to hold on while letting go. For those who believe families are irreplaceable, this inspiration story is a rallying cry, a blueprint, and a source of enduring strength.

Author: Pamela Jessup Runner
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Published: 06/02/2026
Pages: 340
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9781636988993

About the Author
Runner, Pamela Jessup: - Pamela Jessup Runner is a Napa Valley winery cofounder, wine business professional, and advocate for families of children and adults with special needs. In her debut memoir Grief Grit Glory--A Mother's Trailblazing Journey to Keep Her Family Together, she shares the intimate story of parenting her son Jonny, born with congenital CMV, while preserving the strength and unity of her family. A passionate storyteller, Pamela brings vulnerability and insight to the emotional and systemic challenges of disability caregiving.As an authentic speaker and legislative advocate, she has shaped public conversations into policy change through conferences, roundtables, and community forums. Her journey--rooted in love, resilience, and Napa Valley's wine culture--invites readers into a world of grit and grace. Pamela lives in Sacramento, California, with her husband, retired Senator George Runner, and balances life with her passions: family, travel, and writing.