Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully
by Nancy Manahan and Becky Bohan
Published by Beaver's Pond Press
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Reviewed by Barbara Broom
Authors Nancy Manahan and Becky Bohan weave the inspiring story of a woman's five-year experience with breast cancer. We are given the ending in the title of the book, Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully: A Journey With Cancer and Beyond but the essence of the narrative is more about the celebration of a life well-lived in every way.
I did not want to read this book. We may all have a loved one who has traveled this frightening journey in some way. Perhaps it is our own path. My own sister is now a seven-year breast cancer survivor, and I certainly did not want to relive those helpless years when my family was consumed in grief and on an emotional roller coaster, living each day in fear for the next.
But this is the story of a very different model of one woman's choice to "deal with life's gifts and life's uncertainties as they have been thrust upon me." From her initial journal entry on the first page, Diane Manahan, a nurse, a teacher, and sister-in-law to Nancy Manahan, invites us to experience the life she tried to live in "an out-loud way."
The book is in four parts:
-- This Long Journey with Cancer as My Companion
-- A Graceful Death
-- Living On. The authors reference Diane's own journals, interviews with her family and friends, as well as their own personal relationship with her.
-- The last section, Guidebook: Lessons from Diane on dealing with serious illness or death, contains practical suggestions for individuals, caregivers, and anyone seeking a loving and spiritual experience in "living consciously and dying gracefully."
This is an unforgettable, deeply touching and honestly written book and I highly recommend it. It's not about fearing death--it's about embracing life.
Armchair Interviews says: It is a difficult journey that we might all face one day. Learning how others handle such situations is helpful.