We finally reach the last chapter of the book club.

[Dianne Elton]

Book Group.  "How to Be Sick" by Toni Bernhard.

After several months, of discussing one chapter a week of Toni Bernhard’s marvellous book about how to cope with living with illness, we have come to the final chapter.

It has been a great experience and we have learned much along the way about learning to live well with illness.    I thank all those who attended, (attendance was no minor accomplishment due to illness.), and for the wonderful, insightful , caring and helpful discussions which we have shared.  I think we have all come away with many techniques to use and apply when coping with the relentlessness of symptoms; weathering fear about the future; coming to terms with a life of relative isolation; facing the misunderstanding of others; dealing with the health care system; and other things associated with illness.

 

I think this verse from Toni rounds off the book group nicely.

 “In sickness or in health,

My heartfelt wish is

That you be peaceful

Have ease of well being,

Reach the end of suffering,

And be free.”

-    Toni Bernhard

 

I would also like to include this latest article from Toni about getting through the bad days when you feel “down and out”.

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201302/when-youre-down-and-out-how-get-through-the-bad-days

 

Dianne Elton