We Carry Each Other
by Eric and Sharon Langshur, with Mary Beth Sammons
Published by Conari Press
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Reviewed by Mary Treacy O’Keefe
Subtitled: Getting Through Life’s Toughest Times
At some point in our lives, nearly every one of us will experience the difficult challenge of caring for an aging parent or a seriously ill or injured friend or family member. Coping with the demands of health crisis is stressful, draining and potentially overwhelming.
Eric and Sharon Langshur should know better than most people. They founded CarePages.com, the largest online social network and support community of its type in the world. As co-authors of We Carry Each Other: Getting Through Life’s Toughest Times, with Mary Beth Sammons, the couple shares inspiring real-life stories of people who have either survived a health crisis or who have effectively and lovingly cared for someone they love.
However, the book offers much more than a collection of heartwarming stories. Each chapter contains thoughtful quotes, including highlighted “words to live by,” in addition to practical tips. Sample sidebar headings are designed to be easy-to -read roadmaps for navigating specific situations, like “Caring for Your Parents—and Keeping Your Sibling Relationships,” “Tips for Helping a Friend or Loved One Who is Hurting,” and “On Loss,” and Tips for Caring for a Dying Sister.”
For readers who have been blindsided by a devastating diagnosis of their own or of a loved one, or who just want to know how to most compassionately companion a friend through an illness, this book will be an effective template, filled with information and inspiration.
Whether used as a handy resource for yourself or as the perfect gift for a care-giving friend, I highly recommend this book as one that will provide invaluable assistance to people during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
NOTE: This reviewer runs a wellness center for people with chronic and other diseases, as well as other health and emotional needs–so she writes from first-hand experience about “carrying each other.”
Armchair Interviews says: Book of great value to anyone.