In the past two years, I have had the honor and privilege of working with two inspirational women as an editor and ghostwriter. Not only did they trust me to help tell their stories in a book, they inspired me to see things differently—to be more open to experience and more present in my own life.
In The Night of Five Questions: One Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey to True Faith, Miracles, and Magic, KaRin SuCase (a pen name) tells the story of her life in all its messy glory—her Illinois childhood with an exacting mother and a loving grandmother; her American Dream of three children, a devoted husband, and a beautiful home at the base of the Rocky Mountains; and the spiritual crisis that blew it all apart, sending her on a lifelong journey as a seeker of faith, miracles, and magic. On that journey she went through divorce and reared children as a single mother, found and lost true love, lost a troubled son in a horrible tragedy, and has lived with multiple myeloma for the past 20 years.
KaRin’s is the story of thousands of “ordinary” American women born in and around World War II and living through the social and intellectual tumult of the 20th century and into the technological wonders of the 21st. Through it all she has kept her faith in the goodness of the universe and has striven to help others on their own paths.
KaRin discusses her book in this Facebook interview with her publisher, Dr. Laura Bush of Peacock Proud Press.
As a naturopath and wellness coach, Dr. Melanie Dunlap never thought she’d have to face her own cancer journey, let alone that of her husband Tom—but have to she did. Just as she was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel of her own treatment for breast cancer, her husband Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and off they went again on a journey both humbling and harrowing, and sometimes even joyful. Uncertain Grace: One Couple’s Journey Through Cancer tells of Melanie’s and Tom’s tears and triumphs as they combine the best of western and holistic practices—along with much love and support from each other and their tribe—to come to a place of healing and grace.
Uncertain Grace is more than their story, however—it also offers common sense advice for caregivers and patients alike and empowers others with cancer to be their own best advocates.
Check out these stories of two fiercely brave women living in the face of the unknown with faith, humor, and grace.