ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is for those caring for a loved one with a serious illness or disease, and those who have lost a loved one. It offers a compassionate, loving approach to caregiving and a gentle, healing approach to navigate grief.
I was uncertain how we would manage the complex, ongoing needs after my husband, David, was diagnosed with cancer. We often found ourselves unsure how to make our best decisions with confidence amid shock and difficulty. There seemed to be no clear direction to address the chaos and unknowns. Like so many others, we had to figure it out one step at a time. Fortunately, along the way, we discovered two key things that helped us navigate the journey’s suffering: gratitude and being present with compassion.
We learned that noticing and expressing gratitude eased emotional struggles, even when we felt there was so much not to be grateful for. It was difficult, especially when we faced another crisis or went through a particularly tough period. However, taking a moment to acknowledge goodness, even if only briefly at first, was important. It slowed the moment and helped us become present and fully aware. Over time, we seemed to break through the suffering and embrace the wholeness of our journey. This taught us how to hold grief while also noticing and holding the beauty and tender joy in the suffering.
