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Author writes about life of abused Buckhannon girl

The Inter-Mountain photo by Amanda Hayes The Upshur County Commission heard a portion of the story of author Gwyn Thorn’s granddaughter, Amanda, during Thursday’s meeting. From left are Commission President Sam Nolte, Thorn, and commissioners Terry Cutright and Kristie Tenney.

BUCKHANNON — When Gwyn Thorn starts talking about her granddaughter’s story, she gets a little emotional.

Thorn wrote a book, “Love Blue — Amanda’s Story,” to share not about the devastating abuse that Amanda endured but how her life changed her adopted family’s life and those around her.

“She really did change people,” Thorn said. “She had that gift of just saying life isn’t easy but let’s make the best of it.'”

This week, Thorn has returned to Buckhannon to let the town know how Amanda’s life turned out after the family moved away from Buckhannon. Amanda died in February 2016 at the age of 25.

“Twenty-five years ago this month, on Oct. 28, this town awoke to headlines in The Record Delta that said, ‘Man accused of severely beating girl,'” she said. “It was a tragedy that no one ever dream would happen here in this town – the idea that a 3¢ year old girl would no longer be able to walk, talk or have any control of her body was a thought that haunted many.”

Although that is where the story begins, Amanda’s story did not end there as she was adopted by Thorn’s daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Paul.

“The incident that changed Amanda’s life that day also changed the life of my family as we were blessed with Amanda now being a part of ours,” she said.

In December 2015, Thorn received permission to write Amanda’s story from Jennifer and she said upon telling Amanda the news that her eyes sparkled and her smile went from ear to ear.

“I knew the one thing that I had to do when I was finished was bring the story back to this town,” Thorn said. “I wanted to say thank you to the people who cared for her, the nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital; those who advocated for her, Bill Thurman, then prosecuting attorney; Paula Hinzman, Amanda’s caseworker who trusted Jennifer and Paul to be her new parents; and Buckhannon’s current mayor, David McCauley, who was her attorney ad litem. Most of all I wanted to share her amazing life.”

Despite the tragedy, Thorn said she wanted to share with the people of Buckhannon Amanda’s story and also donate proceeds from the sale of the book in October to the Upshur County Family Resource Network. Thorn said the FRN was started because of Amanda.

Although Amanda couldn’t communicate verbally, she used her eyes and her smile.

“Amanda was able to go beyond her limitations, to go beyond what she no longer had the ability to do,” Thorn said. “Amanda’s story to me has two very valuable lessons – the first is everyone has the opportunity to use the circumstances they are given to the best of their ability no matter what they are.

The second lesson was summed up at Amanda’s funeral: “Amanda’s message to everyone is to love God, love people and smile.”

Thorn and her family are in town this week and will have a book signing Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Upshur County Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and another book signing at Sweet-A-Licious on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.

“Love Blue — Amanda’s Story” is available for purchase on Amazon. In September, Thorn’s book was awarded the Bronze Medal in the Christian — Nonfiction category of the Reader’s Favorite Award.

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