Lisa Ditchkoff
Author | Entrepreneur
“I think it is important, especially more so today, to tell my story because I believe so many have given up hope, and hope is what builds a country.”
BIOGRAPHY
I was born on August 1, 1973 in the “Southie” neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. From the moment I was born, I was forced to be a survivor and a fighter in this world. Only four years later, I was thrust into the escape that molded my future. “You’re so beautiful,” were the three words that triggered any memory of my father, Tommy Connors, alleged member of the Irish South Boston Mafia. I didn’t understand this for years to come, but my mother left Southie with my two brothers and me during the middle of the biggest snowstorm in history in attempts to escape from him.
I grew up quickly, in more ways than one. In addition to searching for love becoming a mother at a very young age, I also slipped through the cracks in regard to education; I was completely illiterate for years. I’ve undergone sexual, emotional, and physical abuse which nearly took my life.
Following the death of my brother, I made the decision to track down the very person whom my family feared in Southie, my father, as an attempt to help my mother overcome fears that paralyzed her daily. I not only succeeded at connecting with my father, but my mother and father are best friends today.
Realizing how short life is, I started my first business in 2003 at the age of 30. Today, I am the proud owner of The Bottling Plant Event Center (www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com), in the heart of Opelika, Alabama’s historic downtown. I have two adult sons.
“The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyebrows” is more than just a memoir of my life. It’s more than just a compilation of heartbreaking tragedies, lessons learned, and words of encouragement to others facing extraordinary obstacles. It’s also a story of never giving up hope no matter how difficult any situation including the domino effect on business failures and difficulties due to the 2008 economic downturn and since.
I think it is important, especially more so today, to tell my story because I believe so many have given up hope, and hope is what builds a country. Hope is something that I will never stop believing in. Hope to provide inspiration is my purpose for sharing my story.
Buy the Book
Lisa Ditchkoff explains her life in hiding for 27 years, enduring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as her ties to the Irish Boston Mafia in "Southie." She grew up in fear of her father, an alleged "mobster" and legendary Boston Garden record-holding fastest knockout boxer. Memories of Lisa’s father were shadowy ones, but she remembered him as generous in his love toward her. Her only memory was of her father saying, "You’re so beautiful," just before her mother escaped during the middle of the night in a telephone truck during Boston’s record snowfall in 1978. Lisa also remembers hearing the name, “Whitey Bulger,” and the delivery of black roses to her doorstep. Forced to be a survivor in this world, and regardless of extraordinary obstacles, she refused to be the victim. In addition to searching for love and becoming a mother at a very young age, she slipped through the cracks in regard to education and other things. Lisa shares the intimate details of her life having undergone violence, which nearly took her life. The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyebrows is more than just a compilation of heartbreaking tragedies, lessons learned, and words of encouragement to others facing extraordinary obstacles. It’s also a story of never giving up hope no matter how difficult any situation, including the domino effect on business failures and difficulties due to the 2008 economic downturn and since.
Reviews
““A blessing to us all.”
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““When faced with challenging situations throughout her life, she didn’t just survive, she thrived. I’m proud of her.” ”
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“Lisa’s life story is summed up in one word “RESILIENCY”! Her sojourn from South Boston to Oklahoma to Alabama is a riveting account of how hope, faith, and perseverance are benchmarks of how she overcame adversity and hardship along life’s journey to become a successful business woman. This captivating book you will read in one sitting as it motivates one to keep turning pages from beginning to end.” ”
““This is a very moving book that will make anyone want to go out and feel like they can move the world. Hard times don’t always stay with good people. Hard work overcomes adversity. This is truly a story of a hardworking young lady overcoming many obstacles to survive. This is what this book is about and is a great read for anyone.””
Lisa Ditchkoff
Bottling Plant Event Center
www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com
614 N. Railroad Ave. | Opelika, AL 36801