Product Description
Helping your family and loved ones when they need you most
"Caregiving has a big heart–on a much–needed topic. A rare book of spiritual and practical wisdom."–Sue Benderauthor of Plain and Simple and Everyday Sacred
"A poignant, wise, and in–the–trenches view of caregiving that is both practical and spiritual, especially of value to midlife adults."–Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of Goddesses in Everywoman and Close to the Bone
"Lovely. . . . Beth McLeod′s experience and wisdom shine through as she shares her heartfelt journey of loss, surrender, hope, and healing."–David Simon, M.D. medical director, the Chopra Center for Well Being, author of Vital Energy and Return to Wholeness
Sooner or later it will touch us all: A family member or loved one becomes ill or disabled, and we step in to help. This is caregiving, and in this powerful, unique book, prizewinning writer and advocate Beth Witrogen McLeod leads us through the caregiving journey with unflinching authority and compassion. Framed by the author′s personal odyssey as a caregiver and richly informed by the inspiring and poignant tales of others, Caregiving explores medical and financial problems, all aspects of spirituality, and such issues as depression, stress, housing, home care, and end–of–life concerns. A rare blend of powerful storytelling and practical information, Caregiving is a revelation.
From the Author
Family caregiving can open our hearts to the grace in loss.It wasn't until six months after my parents died -- five weeks apart and in a nursing home, nearly bankrupt from simultaneous catastrophic illnesses -- that I even heard the term "caregiver." During the two years that I flew back and forth between California and Kansas, all that I knew was that I had to do whatever it took to give my parents the dignity and love they deserved.
I don't know if I succeeded -- regret and guilt still sculpt my edges -- but I did do the best I could. I loved them unconditionally; I loved just being with them, knowing that despite the suffering and crises, this was precious time.
I came to understand that end-of-life issues are not pathological but a valid rite of passage, one not yet recognized in Western culture but very real nonetheless. And so I wanted to write a book to explore this time in a caregiver's life, a journey that I discovered to be very much a heroic one, much in the best mythologic and classical spiritual traditions.
I wanted, most of all, to help guide others through this heart of hell, where suffering and grace exist simultaneously. I wanted to present the tremendous compassion and kindness inherent in this strange journey that none of us would choose, yet one that millions of us have transited with wisdom and aplomb.
My hope is that CAREGIVING will prove inspirational and educational; my intent is that it be a guide to navigating the emotional and spiritual passage that underlies all the care given to our frail, disabled and dying loved ones.
Most of all, I propose that every act of kindness counts; it CAN be a way of life that ripples out from the individual into families, and from there into communities, nations and our planet. There is a chance, still, to counter the violence and rage that has shrouded the true nature of the human heart. There is still time to manifest the truth that all wisdom traditions teach: that the purpose of life is to give, and that it is in fact the ultimate path that leads out of suffering.
With gratitude to all people everywhere who give of themselves so that others may have life,
Beth Witrogen McLeod
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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