Walking Together Though Illness
by Wanda Scott Bledsoe and Milt Bledsoe
Published by Augsburg Books
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: Twelve Steps for Caregivers and Care Receivers
This is an amazing "twelve-step" program for people who are taking care of a relative or friend. I've been a caregiver for my injured husband, albeit for only a month, but I really related to this book.
Husband and wife Milt and Wanda Bledsoe are active in their church and strong in their faith in God. Going full speed ahead in life, all changed when Milt becomes ill. It was some time before he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare disease that effects one person in 100,000. Full recovery is possible and today Milt has regained many abilities.
In the 12 steps, Wanda and Milt tell stories that revolve around that specific step, and the chapter ends with tips from both of them--showing the side of the caregiver and the care receiver--as each has a specific role and of course, viewpoint.
The chapter titles really say it all, and the chapter ends with journal pages with related questions.
1 Tell your story
2 Face your fears and then take action
3 Choose great role models
4 Acknowledge the psychological impact and keep a positive attitude
5 Pace yourself
6 Develop a good support system
7 Call for help and care for those who provide it
8 Take time for yourself
9 Offer help, but not too much
10 Deal with your anger
11 Let go of your guilt
12 Affirm yourself and count your blessings
This book deals honestly with how to cope with illness and how it affects each of the couple. "Why me?" is a common question, most often asked of God by both the ill person and the caregiver who is living two lives: theirs and the ill spouse, parent or child.
The well person can get run ragged and just be glad they made it through the day. It's important that the caregiver takes care of her/himself, has a good support system and someone to talk/vent to. Each helping person brings something different to the "helping." Appreciate them.
Armchair Interviews says: Walking Together Through Illness is an excellent resource written by people living with illness that will benefit anyone who is a caregiver or a care receiver.