The Gifts of Caregiving: Stories of Hardship, Hope, and Healing [Paperback]

Connie Goldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2002

In this book, caregivers share their stories of caring for a disabled or aging loved one.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book of enormous encouragement that will help us all to have a greater confidence in our common humanity." -- Cicely Saunders, Founder and President, St. Christopher's Hospice, London

"A magnificent contribution to our understanding of the satisfactions as well as the demands of caregiving." -- Robert C. Atchley, author of

"For the transforming power of these stories we can only be grateful." -- Harry R. Moody, Ph.D., Senior Associate, International Longevity Center---USA

"There is much wisdom, inspiration, and hope in these remarkable and heartfelt stories." -- Gloria Cavanaugh, President and CEO, American Society on Aging

"Will inspire those who are caregivers today, and enlighten those who may be caregivers tomorrow." -- Bob Blancato, Exec. Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging

In this extraordinary book, more than thirty caregivers in very diverse circumstances describe how they achieved the balance that allows -- Robert C. Atchley, Chair, Department of Gerontology, Naropa University

From the Publisher

This book began as a public radio program entitled "Hardship into Hope: The Rewards of Caregiving." The program consisted of a series of interviews with family caregivers---some well known, some not so well-known, but all with inspiring stories to share. A copy of this program, recorded on a CD, has been attached to the inside back cover of this book.

After that program aired nationally, many listeners urged producer Connie Goldman to write a book based on the radio program. Goldman then began to collect additional conversations that put into words the special gifts of caregiving. This book is the result of her labor: an informative and inspirational anthology showing how the hardship of caregiving can be transformed into an experience of hope and healing.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Fairview Press (August 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577491173
• ISBN-13: 978-1577491170
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #860,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of Caregiving, February 28, 2008

By 

Story Circle Book Reviews - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gifts of Caregiving: Stories of Hardship, Hope, and Healing (Paperback)

This is the kind of book that does not age. There are practical books out there which give you helpful hints about struggling through the caregiving process. This is not one of them. The stories in The Gifts of Caregiving are from interviews which grew out of a PBS show entitled "The Rewards of Caregiving." A CD of that program is included in the back of the book.

Gifts is about quiet courage, love and hope. It highlights the alchemy of caregiving from which many emerge with compassion, insight, and wisdom. Some, perhaps many, emerge from months or years of caregiving exhausted and bitter. But that state is not a foregone conclusion. As Goldman says, "We learn about ourselves from hearing the stories of others." All of us are caregivers, will be caregivers, were caregivers, or are given care at some point in our lives.

There are many teachings in the stories of ordinary people as well as extraordinary people. You will recognize many of the names--Rosalynn Carter, the late Dana Reeve, Studs Terkel, and Bill Thomas to name a few.

Gems of wisdom:

*Humor always helps
*A caregiver must take time for herself
*It is a special experience--a time of growth
*You must give up expectations
*We are all mortal (even teens)
*One day at a time. Stay in the present
*Appreciate the simple things
*There is a partnership between those giving and those receiving--listen
*Help her validate the life she has had
*Physical touch is valuable
*Find others to share both the good and the difficult
*Ask for help when you need it
*Acknowledge your anger, your fear, your impatience, your guilt
*You will not make her well, but you can ease the way
*Being with him is important. One does not always have to do.

You have the list, but you do not have the stories that will dwell in your mind and your heart. You may not need this book now, but you will be inspired by it as you read these stories of quiet courage, love, and hope.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

5.0 out of 5 stars The Caring Interviewer, January 24, 2007

By 

David Wolfe "David" (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gifts of Caregiving: Stories of Hardship, Hope, and Healing (Paperback)

Connie Goldman could be the nation's therapist on caregiving issues. No matter how much one person loves another, the beloved can reach a state of need that challenges the most indomitable human spirit. Connie, a former NPR reporter writes from years of experience and a natural talent for interviewing people. She has brought these skills to bear in this remarkable book, which includes moving interviews with Christopher Reeve's wife, Dana and former First Lady Roslyn Carter. Connie's genuine empathy for the characters in her book of stories about caregiving comes through in a soothing manner.

Given the millions of people who are involved in care giving on a daily, even hourly basis, this book should be a continuing best seller for it surely offers the beleaguered caregiver a foundation for easing some of the burdens that have unwelcomingly come into the lives of caregiver and care recipient alike.

A great gift to give a friend who has become a stressed out caregiver.