Personal Journeys: 'Thirty Days With My Father'

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Christal Presley writes about life with her father, who has PTSD.

Christal Presley, author of "Thirty Days With My Father," has been disagnosed with PTSD, a result of growing up with a father who suffered from the disorder.

Delmer Day Presley suffers from PTSD, a result of combat duty in Vietnam before Christal was born.

Christal recalls a childhood spent hiding in closets when her father experienced PTSD-fueled rages.

Delmer credits his guitar playing with helping soothe his nerves and keep his mind off disturbing memories after he returned from the war.

Three-year-old Christal and her mother, Judy Presley, in happier times outside their trailer in Honaker, Va., a town of fewer than 1,500 residents.

At age 7, Christal was a troubled child who harmed herself by eating poison ivy and stapling her hand.

In addition to PTSD, Delmer has had part of a lung and multiple cysts removed over the years, most likely a result of his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, doctors suspect.

Christal grew up in Honaker, Va., and now lives in Atlanta, where she is an instructional mentor teacher with Atlanta Public Schools.

Christal will read and sign copies of "Thirty Days With My Father" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at HodgePodge Coffee & Gallery, 720 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 678-609-3747; and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Barnes & Noble, 120 Perimeter Center W., Dunwoody, 770-396-1200.

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Christal Presley, author of "Thirty Days With My Father," has been disagnosed with PTSD, a result of growing up with a father who suffered from the disorder.

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