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This book hit me close to home. I became completely disabled and dependent upon my wife as my caregiver in 2014. Once a spouse takes on the caregiver role, it is so hard moving forward in a marital relationship because everything begins to revolve around caring for the disabled spouse. It’s true that the experience is so trying on the caregiver. Eventually, every forgets about the struggling couple and so the help the caregiver might have initially had fades away. Reading these stories, it was like I was reading my own life experience.
Interested Reader
As a caregiver myself I often have felt alone and overwhelmed. This book has so many stories of caregivers, caring for people with different illnesses. The stories teach us so much about the human spirit. The book reminds us that even in our darkest hours love will always prevail. I highly recommend this book especially to a caregiver who is maybe struggling and needs to feel a connection. I also believe it's important for anyone that is close to a caregiver to read this book. It will help you understand all they go through and help you be a better support to them.
MCB
When our loved one was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we were surprised and comforted by how many others we knew had also been faced with this difficult situation. Now, after almost two years as caregivers, this book reminds us how many others can relate to the range of emotions that comes with taking care of someone you love who cannot care for themselves. Each story is a testament to the sacrifices we make for those we love, no matter what circumstances brought us there.
CMW
Truly an amazing book. Reading through each caregivers story provokes such strong emotions and makes you understand the meaning of empathy. A must read for all caregivers and those in the healing professions
Estelle Y.
As someone who has faced the challenges of caregiving firsthand, I found "The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing" to be a profound and touching journey. Through its vivid and authentic stories, the book weaves a tapestry of love, resilience, and sacrifice that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever been in a caregiver's shoes.
Each tale is a heartfelt tribute to the selfless individuals who devote their lives to caring for others, often without recognition or praise. Whether it's a story of caring for someone with a severe physical ailment or a loved one with Alzheimer's, the emotions are universal – a mix of love, frustration, exhaustion, and triumph.
The book not only offers solace and understanding for caregivers but also serves as an enlightening guide for those who may know someone in a caregiving role. It's a window into a world filled with both burdens and blessings, where the human spirit's resilience shines bright.
I particularly appreciated how the book highlights the transformative power of caregiving. It's not just about the struggles; it's about finding joy, connection, and personal growth in the most unlikely places. "The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing" is more than just a collection of stories; it's a celebration of humanity, a beacon of hope, and a true testament to the enduring power of love.
I highly recommend this book to caregivers and anyone looking to understand the complexities of this demanding yet rewarding role. It's not just a book; it's a companion, a friend who knows exactly what you're going through. Grab a copy, and allow yourself to be inspired, comforted, and enriched
John W.
Loved the info it provided in the event you become a caregiver or are already one. The stories told what love and necessity can do when faced with the challenge. Couldn't put it down. Beautiful.
Joan S.
A small book with such power. Small stories on caregivers, what they give up, what they learn how they cope.
It is enough to get you emotional, may you want to cry, laugh, get angry or breath a sigh of relief
Vicki Langevan
Dive into this book and get swept away into the world of the heartfelt caregiver. By choice or force, caregiving is raw and emotionally driven, unforseen and sometimes explosive and these stories tell the tale. From parents to children to lovers and friends, the spectrum of love unfold in this book!!
Whether you are a caregiver or not this book is a must read!!
tbd
The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing is a poignant collection of stories that delves deep into the multifaceted journey of caretakers. This book offers pure accounts of the struggles and rewards of those caring for loved ones.
Each story within this collection is a window into the lives of caregivers, offering readers a chance to empathize, reflect and celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to someone in need. Most have found themselves in the position of caregiver doubting that they had the strength, stamina, and fortitude to give of themselves in such a way. In the end, most found immeasurable benefits from that part of their journey.
What makes this collection stand out is its ability to capture the authentic and sometimes raw emotions experienced by the caretakers. If you find yourself in a caregiver capacity, this book will let you know it is normal to have feelings of frustration and doubt, but you will also realize that your well runs deep and you can continue to press on for your loved one.
Amazon Customer
This compilation of stories from caregivers is unlike anything I have read before. These emotional first person accounts demonstrate that when our loved ones need us, we respond. The years of dedication and medical hurdles were remarkable. The caregivers were tested many times physically and spiritually and time after time, recalled that it was a privilege to care for that family member. If you are caring for a parent, spouse or loved one, this book will provide stories of courage, hope and the knowledge that you are not alone.
AnnaMaria
Not a book to read in one setting, these short stories of caregivers is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and heart-strengthening. It gives me hope. As a reluctant caregiver, I can only admire each of these people and their honest accounts. And yes, my dog DID like these stories as I read some of these aloud to him!
Dorenda Doyle
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Simone Woods
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Simone Woods
"Testimonials are a great way to showcase positive feedback you've received. Click to edit and add yours."
Simone Woods
While each story was personal and unique, I discovered common themes: how difficult yet how rewarding it is to care for a loved one and the importance of friends and family asking about the caregiver as well as the person needing care. Good lesson!
Kate Breen
My wife walked into the emergency room with extreme back pain on Mother's Day this year, 2023. Three days later she couldn't walk. She couldn't stand. She couldn't control her bladder. She couldn't even sit up on the side of the bed. Doctors diagnosed her with vertebral osteomyelitis. They committed surgery. They gave her strong antibiotic infusions and physical therapy. She can move her legs now. And she can sit up. But she still can't stand or walk. I'm her caregiver. The past three months have been like entering a new world. My emotions have run the gamut from powerful feelings of intimate love to desperate exhaustion. I often felt alone.
"The Greatest Burden/Blessing" resonated beautifully, therapeutically. I learned lessons from the wisdom offered. I felt the joys and the pains described so vividly by the caregivers. Mostly I felt connection. This book was a great blessing for me. I hope you read it. You will enter a world of raw love, tenderness, courage, and brutality. It's a different world. It will enrich you.
Malcolm Clark
When you are faced with a major health crisis either as a patient or a loved one there are many decisions that have to be made. The stories in this book are a true testament about the many ways these decisions have affected everyone involved. Every family faced their crisis differently but the one true thread is that each one was touched in a way even they didn’t expect.
Rocky
The Greatest Burden, the Greatest Blessings by Mark J. Resnick, Alan D. Rubel, and Michael E. Tenaglia is not a quick and easy read but it is so necessary. I hesitated to start reading because I knew it would touch me in deep places I didn’t want to revisit. It would awaken memories of sights and sounds, smells and losses that might hurt. I was right and I was wrong. After just the first story I mentally reconnected with some of the heroes in my own life who have been caregivers. Just as the caregivers in the book they would not define themselves as exceptional or heroes. They were just people who helped their loved ones to live a life with dignity. love, and laughter when possible always knowing that they were and are valued. I extend my gratitude to each person whose story is told in this book. Each one is touching and encouraging. This book should be read first by caregivers ….and then by everyone else. Caregivers need to know that they are not alone, that it is okay to ask for help, that their work is appreciated and valued. We never know when we might either personally need help or need to extend a gentle caring hand to someone else. Thank you to the authors for sharing these precious stories of heroes. The person who fights back against the odds to maintain some quality of life, to whom a typical day may resemble an obstacle course, but each day they start all over and take on the challenge. Each one is a hero and so is that person who counts it a blessing to assist, to feed, to bathe, to encourage, to answer the same question five times in a row, to give a smile and helping hand to their daughter, father, mother, friend. Thank you all. You are heroes all. I was wrong. I needed to remember those who quietly and faithful care for the needs of others and I need to bring attention to these precious people who walk among us. Thank you for blessing us with this book. Buy it, read it share it with a caregiver in your life, and then with everyone else!
EMJ
This book is about love, understanding, fear, sadness and consolation. It is a collection of many deeply personal experiences of caregivers. Realizing that others are facing similar challenges helps us understand and cope. It has helped me personally to deal with the feelings of emotional and physical exhaustion, guilt, frustration and being pulled in many different directions as caregiver of our mom; then forgiving myself for those feelings at the same time grieving her demise. These stories will make you cry, hurt, lament and at times smile. I know that it will help so many others. God bless the creators of this book. Available on Amazon.
Amazon Customer
There are so many beautiful stories of unconditional & selfless love in the most difficult & tragic circumstances.
Truly an inspiring read and a subject that touches us all in some way - whether you are a caregiver yourself or you know someone who is providing this gift to someone else. A tribute to the unsung heroes among us who give so much of themselves.
HAC
I was very moved by the inspirational stories contained in this book. It has shown that you can do things for your loved ones that you don't think you can. 💯 per cent recommend that everyone reads the book.
Cynthia A Dixon
​Sometimes in life we are not in control of what we face, but we are very much in control of how we deal with it. This book is a wonderful guide to help one keep the focus on what is important. Regardless of the incredible difficulty and pain we face some days, the growth of compassion, empathy, humanity and love won't go unnoticed. We are, in the end, here for one another.
This book helps by sharing real life stories to guide us through complicated and lonely times.
S.A.D.
As I was my mothers caregiver for 7 years through her Dementia I could relate to the many stories, but I have been so focused on Dementia caregiving I had forgotten about all the other illnesses or disabilities both young and old that requires caregiving . The stories show the dedication and love for their children spouses and parents and dedication to do what is needed to help them . The common theme was caregiving is hard and takes sacrifice , but is also rewarding and often leads to unforeseen blessings and important lessons learned. That was my experience.
John Campbell
"The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing" is a one of a kind book that focuses on caregivers themselves. This book will touch your heart. Through poignant story telling, the reader is immersed into a caregivers world of compassion, resilience, and selflessness. Let me reassure you, as a caregiver, this book will be a source of comfort and hope for anyone on a caregiving journey.
Amazon Customer
This book is heartfelt and will be tremendously helpful to caregivers going through this journey. It has helped me to reflect on my experiences with being the only caregiver to a terminal loved one will certainly assist with the ongoing healing process. I hope that hospice workers will read this book and recommend as appropriate.
Thank you for this treasure. It certainly left an impact.
Cherie
"The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing" is a one of a kind book that focuses on caregivers themselves. This book will touch your heart. Through poignant story telling, the reader is immersed into a caregivers world of compassion, resilience, and selflessness. Let me reassure you, as a caregiver, this book will be a source of comfort and hope for anyone on a caregiving journey.
Amazon Customer
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Simone Woods
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Simone Woods
This book is more than a Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul—although it is that. These stories will touch you. They will inspire you with real examples of heartfelt, heroic acts of love and kindness. It's a gift and I'm grateful to the authors for putting it together. It will make a great gift for anyone, but especially for those who have received The Call.
Michael Angier