“Love You Hard” author Abby Maslin at Changing Hands Tempe on Friday, March 22

A young mom and teacher who spent much of her childhood in Phoenix will visit Changing Hands Tempe on Friday to discuss her new book: “Love You Hard: A Memoir of Marriage, Brain Injury, and Reinventing Love.”

Abby Maslin’s book recounts the horrific mugging and assault that left her husband nearly dead just a few blocks from their home. As he recovered from a severe traumatic brain injury, the couple’s faith, marriage and love were tested as she learned to care for a man she deeply loved — a man who now resembled a stranger.

As her husband learned to speak and walk again — when he first tried to tell her “love you too,” it came out as “love you hard” — Maslin grew into a stronger and more independent woman. The couple faced profound challenges but they emerged as new people, and with a love more powerful than before.

Maslin, who lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and their two children, is a writer, public school teacher, speaker and blogger. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the challenges of traumatic brain injury and caregiving. As she writes on her blog, “Being a caregiver is more than a full-time job. It’s a terrifying and exhilarating rollercoaster ride. By sharing our experiences honestly — both the good and the bad — caregivers can work to support each other in a more authentic and meaningful way.”

Maslin will appear at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Changing Hands Tempe, 6428 S. McClintock Dr.

LOCAL RESOURCE: Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons living with brain injury, and family members, caregivers and professionals who provide services to them. 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 108, Phoenix. 602-508-8025 or biaaz.org