Being Bear

About the Book

This book is written as a memoir in honor of Joy's brother, Paul, who was born with Downs syndrome and a severely weakened immune system. Paul, also known as "Bear" has extraordinarily touched the lives of those around him. Joy accounts how her parents' ever abiding trust in God along with their absolute determination, drove them to never give up on Paul as he has continued to defy death from various illnesses. She writes how Paul is able to inspire people through his unshakable faith in God and his hilarious sense of humor.

About the Author

Joy Pershing and husband Brian own an accounting fi rm in Greencastle, Indiana. Joy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Evansville and her master’s degree in School Counseling from Indiana State University. Joy and Brian have been blessed with three children, Brandon, Braden, and Arianna.

Joy is the daughter of Jerry and Marcia Tesmer, and grew up in Indiana as the youngest of seven siblings, including her six older brothers, Dave, Steve, Mark, Paul, Tim, and Matt. Th e book is written as a memoir in honor of her brother, Paul, who was born with Downs syndrome and a severely weakened immune system. Paul, also known as “Bear,” has extraordinarily touched the lives of those around him.

Joy accounts how her parents’ ever abiding trust in God along with their absolute determination, drove them to never give up on Paul as he has continued to defy death from various illnesses. She writes how Paul is able to inspire people around him through his unshakable faith in God and his hilarious sense of humor.

Joy also highlights many entertaining stories that have occurred throughout Paul’s 43 years of life so far. Ultimately, Joy is able to offer her readers a way to improve their own lives by learning from the wisdom of a man who speaks few words, but whose actions move mountains.