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ALS Saved My Life ... until it didn't
Most people realize life will not go as planned. But what do we do when nothing goes as we had ever hoped? Jenni Berebitsky, diagnosed in 2009 with ALS has been answering these questions every day. With the hope of helping others move forward after life altering events, Jenni shares her story of life wiht ALS, outlining practical and existential changes needed to adapt and thrive.
278 pages, Paperback
Published March 18, 2018
35 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 11, 2018
I loved this book! Being a member of the club that no one wants to be a part of, this book touched me deeply. It was all too familiar and Jenni's voice, sense of humor and struggle to maintain a "normal" life with her husband and son, rang so deeply in my heart and mind that I couldn't put the book down. The struggles at times must have seemed insurmountable, but the love and caring of Jenni's friends and family have allowed her to live a life full of ..."life". This amazing woman has written a "how to" book for all of us, whether we belong to the club or not. Her day to day struggles and her determination to find solutions to those struggles are a lesson in patience and persistence for all of us.
April 18, 2023
I loved and adored Jenni. Despite having the worst possible diagnosis, she managed to find ways to stay realistically optimistic about her doomed future—in fact, she's so brave for welcoming death with wide open arms.
March 23, 2018
Couldn’t put it down. Jenni tells the story of her ALS story with the voice of honesty, humor and inspirational determination. I could feel her strength while also sensing how much she has lost though her losses are never couched as complaints. The addition of the chapters from her mom, husband and son offered a different insight and were equally honest and human. How I wish this weren’t her story but how honored I am to have been able to learn from it.
March 26, 2018
Jenni writes an authentic account of her life with ALS. The book is raw, yet funny, inspirational, but not saccharine. I also really appreciated the three chapters written by her husband, son, and mom.
I highly recommend it for anyone who knows someone or has a chronic illness. There are a lot of good tips in there for living with a disease.
I highly recommend it for anyone who knows someone or has a chronic illness. There are a lot of good tips in there for living with a disease.
April 8, 2018
Welcome to the club nobody wants to be a member of. The author has her whole life before her. She’s finished school and is a homeopathic doctor, she’s found the love of her life, become a mother, and is ready to revel in her life. Though a few things are not quite as they should be, Jenni is ready to let her life unfold, as she’d planned.
Isn’t that the trouble with life plans - we make them and then....
There is no good age to find that one has ALS, and finding out in her early 30’s is almost unbearable. I say ‘almost’ because this book is about Jenni’s response to her diagnosis. Very early on, she comes to the realization that all she has, all any of us have, is right now. Facing down her death sentence, she finds ways to get around the obstacles thrown in her way by this disease, until she can’t. She learns to ask for help and be glad. She learns to accept the tools and instruments given to those of us with this disease. She accepts that there will be things she is not going to able to do, but until the very minute she becomes unable she tries really hard to keep going.
This book is also about Jeff, her husband, who becomes her caregiver. Jeff shines even when we can’t see him. Jeff and Jenni are a remarkable couple.
There is Joyce, Jenni’s Mother and Phillip Jeff and Jenni’s son.
It is a dreadful disease, ALS, but it only a chapter in our life ( our last one), but it will not define who we are. This book inspires any who read it to learn to live in the now. You don’t have to have ALS to do it.
Isn’t that the trouble with life plans - we make them and then....
There is no good age to find that one has ALS, and finding out in her early 30’s is almost unbearable. I say ‘almost’ because this book is about Jenni’s response to her diagnosis. Very early on, she comes to the realization that all she has, all any of us have, is right now. Facing down her death sentence, she finds ways to get around the obstacles thrown in her way by this disease, until she can’t. She learns to ask for help and be glad. She learns to accept the tools and instruments given to those of us with this disease. She accepts that there will be things she is not going to able to do, but until the very minute she becomes unable she tries really hard to keep going.
This book is also about Jeff, her husband, who becomes her caregiver. Jeff shines even when we can’t see him. Jeff and Jenni are a remarkable couple.
There is Joyce, Jenni’s Mother and Phillip Jeff and Jenni’s son.
It is a dreadful disease, ALS, but it only a chapter in our life ( our last one), but it will not define who we are. This book inspires any who read it to learn to live in the now. You don’t have to have ALS to do it.
June 11, 2020
Jenni's body may be failing her but her mind is sharper than ever and she has a lot to say. This book includes many things you might wonder about but would never ask. She is for real and she doesn't hold back.
Being a doctor, she made very informed decisions about her own care and she has lived over 9 years after her diagnosis in 2009. At that time she was given 18-24 months to live. She continues to defy the odds and shares a lot of details in the appendix to help anyone who has, or cares about someone with ALS.
After reading this book I have a more personal understanding of how very hard life is for Jenni and other people with ALS, which makes her outlook and attitude all the more admirable. Life gave her lemons but, as her uncle said in the back of the book, she has made lemon souffle from those lemons.
This book is uplifting. Jenni wants to remind everyone to life life full out and embrace the moments of their lives honestly and with purpose. Living in the present 30 minutes at a time Jenni can live with ALS, which will inspire readers that they can cope with their struggles.
Thank you Jenni for sharing your story in such an authentic way.
Being a doctor, she made very informed decisions about her own care and she has lived over 9 years after her diagnosis in 2009. At that time she was given 18-24 months to live. She continues to defy the odds and shares a lot of details in the appendix to help anyone who has, or cares about someone with ALS.
After reading this book I have a more personal understanding of how very hard life is for Jenni and other people with ALS, which makes her outlook and attitude all the more admirable. Life gave her lemons but, as her uncle said in the back of the book, she has made lemon souffle from those lemons.
This book is uplifting. Jenni wants to remind everyone to life life full out and embrace the moments of their lives honestly and with purpose. Living in the present 30 minutes at a time Jenni can live with ALS, which will inspire readers that they can cope with their struggles.
Thank you Jenni for sharing your story in such an authentic way.
April 4, 2018
We are all on a journey that leads to death. On the way, we live in moments and share with people. And this book is about the hard truths of really being in those moments and present along with the people surrounding a loving, keenly observant woman with the relentless disease, ALS. The candid observations of a mother, wife, friend, and doctor reflect on the practical physical adaptations for best managing ALS while taking us through the stages of emotional realizations that acceptance of the uncontrollable conditions, her failing body, is the only way to keep true to spirit. We all have so much to learn about love and life. Jenni shows that if you really pay attention to others and yourself, and find the strength to use love to connect your community to you and to each other, you will live happy and find joy on your difficult journey.
December 10, 2018
I had the good fortune to meet Jenni and Joyce. Unbelievably amazing and inspirational. This book is a MUST read.
January 16, 2022
Inspiring
What a beautiful book. Jenni's story is certainly an inspiring one. I don't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a book. As someone who quickly checks out during biographies and memoirs, I was constantly engaged while reading this one. I felt like I was hearing a story told by a dear friend and was engaged 100% throughout the entire book. I loved to hear all the ways she was able to persevere and extend her life well past the 18-24 months she was given after her diagnosis. This is a must-read for those touched by ALS, of course, but also for ANYONE else!
What a beautiful book. Jenni's story is certainly an inspiring one. I don't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a book. As someone who quickly checks out during biographies and memoirs, I was constantly engaged while reading this one. I felt like I was hearing a story told by a dear friend and was engaged 100% throughout the entire book. I loved to hear all the ways she was able to persevere and extend her life well past the 18-24 months she was given after her diagnosis. This is a must-read for those touched by ALS, of course, but also for ANYONE else!
January 18, 2022
Book Riot 2022 RHC Task 23: Read a book by a disabled author.
What an inspirational book by an amazing woman. We could all stand to learn a bit about perseverance and the power of positivity from Jenni Berebitsky, a woman diagnosed with ALS at a young age when she had everything going for her. Did she let it end her? No, she fought like hell and exceeded all expectations. What a beautiful story of a beautiful woman and her amazing support group.
What an inspirational book by an amazing woman. We could all stand to learn a bit about perseverance and the power of positivity from Jenni Berebitsky, a woman diagnosed with ALS at a young age when she had everything going for her. Did she let it end her? No, she fought like hell and exceeded all expectations. What a beautiful story of a beautiful woman and her amazing support group.
May 23, 2024
This was an audiobook for me, and I loved it. As someone who cares about a person with ALS, I can tell you this disease is devastating. They put Jennis voice at the very end of the book thanking the listeners/readers and it made me tear up. I hope they find a cure. Thank you Jenni and family for telling this story.
August 10, 2018
I live in the same part of Indy as this brave woman and have seen her in person a few times, so I was drawn to her story which is more uplifting and inspiring than sad as she shares the daily details of living with ALS. Kudos to her ability to write it that way. Her attitude and infectious smile are making a difference in people's lives every day. I recently saw the debut of the new, short documentary about her entitled "Grateful" which is starting the rounds of some of the film festivals. Wishing her and her family all the best!
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed the book thoroughly - a book for everyone even if their life has not been touched by ALS. A book about courage, honestly and practical information. She lived 9 after diagnosis which is amazing - and got her doctorate after her diagnosis
like the smelly finger story
races with her supporters
stuck in the mud in Paris
airline and husband and pants and scarf and shit story
practical information
piper dog learn to stay stiff so she can get up
like the smelly finger story
races with her supporters
stuck in the mud in Paris
airline and husband and pants and scarf and shit story
practical information
piper dog learn to stay stiff so she can get up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2018
This is a very touching story written by a courageous sufferer of ALS. Books such as this help all of us understand life and appreciation.
May 13, 2019
Dr. Berebitsky writes with humor and realism. As a medical professional, the author was well aware of the magnitude her ALS diagnosis would have on her life. Turning her bleak prognosis into a life story brings readers (and those touched by an ALS diagnosis) an inspirational story of life and hope. The author relays genuine challenges, feelings, and emotions from the very first pages of her story. While the story could certainly be a sad one (and may bring forth some emotions from page to page)--the author can keep humor, hope, light, and inspiration woven into the book throughout. The author tells her story in a conversational, easy to read manner that readers will not want to put down.
This book combines an emotional memoir with an inspirational self-help book. The author is a remarkable woman who took a difficult situation and sought to not only live her changed life to the fullest--but to offer pieces of her experiences and advice to others facing the illness. Readers will gain so much from Jenni's story. The author shares her fears, doubts, and challenges--but, also shares the resourcefulness and personal acceptance that allowed her (and her family) to thrive in spite of the difficulties.
Would I Recommend ALS Saved My Life...until it didn't by Jenni Berebitsky? If you are facing an ALS diagnosis or will be a caregiver or support person for someone who is facing this diagnosis--I highly recommend this book. In fact, I recommend this book for anyone facing any terminal illness. The author offers tips for self-realization and acceptance along with a story of triumph against the odds from which most all of us could gain positive life insights. Along with her personal reflections and advice--readers will also read honest, real observations and stories from Jenni's family and caregivers. This novel is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time. I think it is impossible to read Jenni's story without feeling yourself change and grow just a little too.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
This book combines an emotional memoir with an inspirational self-help book. The author is a remarkable woman who took a difficult situation and sought to not only live her changed life to the fullest--but to offer pieces of her experiences and advice to others facing the illness. Readers will gain so much from Jenni's story. The author shares her fears, doubts, and challenges--but, also shares the resourcefulness and personal acceptance that allowed her (and her family) to thrive in spite of the difficulties.
Would I Recommend ALS Saved My Life...until it didn't by Jenni Berebitsky? If you are facing an ALS diagnosis or will be a caregiver or support person for someone who is facing this diagnosis--I highly recommend this book. In fact, I recommend this book for anyone facing any terminal illness. The author offers tips for self-realization and acceptance along with a story of triumph against the odds from which most all of us could gain positive life insights. Along with her personal reflections and advice--readers will also read honest, real observations and stories from Jenni's family and caregivers. This novel is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time. I think it is impossible to read Jenni's story without feeling yourself change and grow just a little too.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2019
ALS Saved My Life ... until it didn't
As the Producer and Executive Producer of the award winning documentary short film "Grateful - The Jenni Berebitsky Story" I urge you to read this inspiring book by my beautiful friend Jenni Berebitsky (with her Mom Joyce Kleinman and Elizabeth Flynn). I have witnessed hundreds of Jenni's supporters rave about the book and how it has changed their own lives as an ALS Survivor, family, friend or fan. God can throw a curve ball in our lives when we least expect it and often when we are never fully prepared for it. In Jenni's case she reached out and grabbed the curve ball and used the opportunity to share her personal incredible journey with the result of a HOME RUN book. "ALS Saved My Life" is valuable information about living and dealing with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis giving the reader hope, encouragement and the 'day to day' tools of how one can live a positive life to move forward rather than backwards. I think Jenni is a prime example of a true real life Superhero. You always feel the love when you are near Jenni and her smile is contagious. Her loving husband Jeff, strong young son Phillip and 'Mama Bear' mother Joyce are a big support system and have taught me the meaning of patience and not to sweat the small things in life that really don't matter. With a strong Jewish faith and determination to spread joy Jenni and her family have taught me so much - and I am Grateful for their friendship and most of all Jenni's zest for life. In our film "Grateful" my favorite quote from Jenni Berebitsky is : "To live a normal life is ordinary. I live an extraordinary life. There is beauty and humor everywhere." Thank-you Jenni for sharing your life's journey and writing a book that makes you laugh, cry and a reminder to 'Keep on Keeping On'! ~ Amy Pauszek Film Producer, Photographer and Casting/Talent Agent at Talent Fusion Agency, Indianapolis,IN.
As the Producer and Executive Producer of the award winning documentary short film "Grateful - The Jenni Berebitsky Story" I urge you to read this inspiring book by my beautiful friend Jenni Berebitsky (with her Mom Joyce Kleinman and Elizabeth Flynn). I have witnessed hundreds of Jenni's supporters rave about the book and how it has changed their own lives as an ALS Survivor, family, friend or fan. God can throw a curve ball in our lives when we least expect it and often when we are never fully prepared for it. In Jenni's case she reached out and grabbed the curve ball and used the opportunity to share her personal incredible journey with the result of a HOME RUN book. "ALS Saved My Life" is valuable information about living and dealing with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis giving the reader hope, encouragement and the 'day to day' tools of how one can live a positive life to move forward rather than backwards. I think Jenni is a prime example of a true real life Superhero. You always feel the love when you are near Jenni and her smile is contagious. Her loving husband Jeff, strong young son Phillip and 'Mama Bear' mother Joyce are a big support system and have taught me the meaning of patience and not to sweat the small things in life that really don't matter. With a strong Jewish faith and determination to spread joy Jenni and her family have taught me so much - and I am Grateful for their friendship and most of all Jenni's zest for life. In our film "Grateful" my favorite quote from Jenni Berebitsky is : "To live a normal life is ordinary. I live an extraordinary life. There is beauty and humor everywhere." Thank-you Jenni for sharing your life's journey and writing a book that makes you laugh, cry and a reminder to 'Keep on Keeping On'! ~ Amy Pauszek Film Producer, Photographer and Casting/Talent Agent at Talent Fusion Agency, Indianapolis,IN.
June 7, 2020
An audiobook on the courageous battle of Dr. Jenni Berebitsky struck by ALS in her thirties. She had just completed her education in naturopathic in getting the terrible news. However rather than submit to the dramatic changes that would occur she determined to live her life as fully as possible and in this succeeded by any standards. We all take our well being for granted until it is challenged and then must deal with it the best we can. Dr. Berebitsky's book will be an inspiration to those of us that will most need it.
April 8, 2019
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t too sure what to expect initially, but I was pleasantly surprised. ALS is a horrid disease, and I deeply feel for the author. The book was well written and easy to follow. I’d definitely suggest it to friends.
I wasn’t too sure what to expect initially, but I was pleasantly surprised. ALS is a horrid disease, and I deeply feel for the author. The book was well written and easy to follow. I’d definitely suggest it to friends.
May 2, 2019
Kept my interest throughout
March 7, 2019
None of us can really control what happens in our life, but we can control how we react and live life beyond unforeseen events. I learned so much from Jenni Berebitsky's inspiring memoir. She does not shy away from the hard, but instead looks at life with bravery. With humor and grace, Jenni teaches us that life is worth living no matter what curve-balls come our way. This book is a fantastic resource for those with ALS and a well of wisdom for how to live life authentically.
March 7, 2019
A beautiful story about a woman that is not letting her illness define her. Jenni does an amazing job telling her story and not letting anything stand in her way. Such an inspiring book and I hope that we can soon learn how to cure this illness.
March 7, 2019
This novel is such an inspiring tale about what it means to live with a chronic illness. Jenni does not let this life defining illness come in the way of anything for her. Such an inspiring book that really gives a voice to the thousands of people struggling with this disease.
April 24, 2019
WOW!!! I got the book as soon as it was available and I couldn't put the book down...I cried and many times laughed out loud and then cried some more. Jenni is an inspiration (and so are Jeff and Joyce)! Jenni’s insights, wisdom, and ability to embrace life to the fullest are beautiful. This book is raw, honest, sad, funny, and wonderful. Thank you for being so open and sharing your journey.
April 19, 2019
A touching and inspirational read of the power of humanity. I cried and laughed throughout this book. It is an excellent reminder that when life throws you something so unfair, you can either sit back, take it and give up or you can use this unfairness as a reason to start living. We forget how beautiful life and the relationships with others can be and we need to be reminded of this beauty. Jenni and her tribe are truly amazing.
August 30, 2019
ALS SAVED MY LIFE…until it didn’t
ALS- known as Lou Gehrig's , disease has been in the news more recently thanks to the “ice Bucket “ challenge. But the real challenge is living of living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky, through her inner strength, intentional practices, loving support of family and friends, and sheer determination has managed not just to live with ALS, but to live with joy. As I read this book, I thought of Lincoln’s admonition,
Think not on your sorrows of which all men have some, but on your blessings of which all men have many”. Could not thinking of the crummy luck of having a progressive, deteriorating disease, which usually leads to early death, be possible? Could a human being instead think about the big blessings such as a loving and devoted husband and Mom, and the little joys of picking out a cute outfit for the day?
Jenni, relates how she has managed and is managing to live, raise her son, engage with the world and avoid self-pity.
I recommend this book to everyone facing the storm of a terrible diagnosis, and living with a chronic condition.
ALS- known as Lou Gehrig's , disease has been in the news more recently thanks to the “ice Bucket “ challenge. But the real challenge is living of living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky, through her inner strength, intentional practices, loving support of family and friends, and sheer determination has managed not just to live with ALS, but to live with joy. As I read this book, I thought of Lincoln’s admonition,
Think not on your sorrows of which all men have some, but on your blessings of which all men have many”. Could not thinking of the crummy luck of having a progressive, deteriorating disease, which usually leads to early death, be possible? Could a human being instead think about the big blessings such as a loving and devoted husband and Mom, and the little joys of picking out a cute outfit for the day?
Jenni, relates how she has managed and is managing to live, raise her son, engage with the world and avoid self-pity.
I recommend this book to everyone facing the storm of a terrible diagnosis, and living with a chronic condition.
June 12, 2019
Jenni gives us a glimpse into her beautiful life after being given the diagnosis of ALS in the prime of her life. The day to day trials and triumphs of living with ALS are beautifully and lovingly shared with the reader. Reading her story you will come away with the feeling that you’ve made a wonderful new friend in Jenni. She effortlessly leads the reader into bravely facing what we can all say is the unknown journey of life.
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January 24, 2024Amazing book, ALS is a cruel disease.. I was diagnosed of ALS in 2019, I stopped some of my ALS medications due to severe side effects and I started on ALS herbal natural treatments from VineHealth Center (Visit vinehealthcenter. com), the treatment has made a very huge difference for me. My symptoms including weakness, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech disappeared after few months on the treatment. I am getting active again since starting this treatment program
August 6, 2019
ALS Saved My Life ... until it didn't by Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky gives insight to a life lived with ALS. It was interesting and kept your attention. It allows a view of life with ALS. Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky lived her life with ALS as one not beaten.
January 27, 2020
An eye opening and touching memoir that really delves deep into what it's like to have ALS. If you or a loved one gets this horrible illness, definitely worth a read. It's a much more heartwarming and healthy way to learn about ALS than reading cold facts on the internet.
August 4, 2025
I picked up this book after moving to Indianapolis, hearing stories about Jenni’s life, and meeting some of her family. Without having the chance to ever meet Jenni, I can still honestly say that she has taught me many lessons in gratitude, acceptance, and the remarkable fortitude of the human spirit.
This book will make you cry. And, believe it or not, it will also make you laugh. Once Jenni walks you through the devastation of her ALS diagnosis and the inescapable meaning behind it, she then graciously shows you what it’s like to choose how you respond and to make the most of the precious life you have been given.
This book is a practical guide for enduring and coping with the inevitable progressive physical losses of ALS. It’s also an inspirational reminder that we each have more resources around us than we realize and more resources within us if we’re willing to dig and find them. If you’re curious how ALS impacts a family, you’ll also hear from Jenni’s husband, son, and mother.
If necessity is the mother of invention, Jenni’s necessity was firstly to maintain independence. She shares details of each new ALS challenge she encounters. Then her creative solutions and tools that empowered her to move through life despite her body’s motor neurons deteriorating. She encourages the use of many modalities to cope with an unforgiving illness: medicines, humor, movement, therapies, music, friendship, acceptance, distraction, gratitude, love, celebrating small victories, pushing boundaries, frequently reshaping perspective, living for the present.
Later, as her ALS progresses beyond the realm of maintaining practical independence, necessity births a new discovery - that asking for and receiving help is mutually satisfying. And this flow of goodwill in both directions creates a loving interdependence that many of us miss out on when we instead prioritize independence.
Jenni experiences the direct support of the services her helpers offer, but she finds the greater gift in the feelings of gratitude that arise for those helping hands she comes to depend on. Likewise, those helping hands learn the necessity of some of the oldest yet often neglected “inventions” there are: community and human connection. When we ask for what we need, we offer those around us the meaningful opportunity to experience purpose through service.
I experienced a sadness at the end of this book. I had become invested in Jenni’s resilience and her defiant spirit. It was an honor to bear witness to her hard lessons, to see her wisely balance acceptance of reality against finding new creative options for continuing a life of meaning, purpose, and joy. I was rooting for Jenni and for an (as of yet) impossible outcome for the hero of this ALS journey. My sadness at the book coming to a close is, no doubt, a tiny fraction of the sadness those who were lucky enough to know this special human felt when her journey ended.
This book is for anyone facing an ALS diagnosis or struggling to maintain their quality of life in the face of an unforgiving illness. Jenni walks before us and holds a torch to light a courageous path forward. She shares a contagious determination to persevere and make the most of the life she has. May we all be so inspired to push boundaries in the face of harsh adversity.
The theme of community struck me most of all at my current phase of life. Jenni’s helping hands in response to her courageous requests for help has taught me a valuable lesson about the human need to both receive and offer support to one another. In the week following this book, I asked for help three times for things that I historically would not have. And each of those requests, as well as the ensuing help + emotional lift to myself and others, is a direct result of Jenni’s teachings here.
So I say ‘thank you’ to Jenni,
The teacher in me honors the teacher in you … Namaste.
This book will make you cry. And, believe it or not, it will also make you laugh. Once Jenni walks you through the devastation of her ALS diagnosis and the inescapable meaning behind it, she then graciously shows you what it’s like to choose how you respond and to make the most of the precious life you have been given.
This book is a practical guide for enduring and coping with the inevitable progressive physical losses of ALS. It’s also an inspirational reminder that we each have more resources around us than we realize and more resources within us if we’re willing to dig and find them. If you’re curious how ALS impacts a family, you’ll also hear from Jenni’s husband, son, and mother.
If necessity is the mother of invention, Jenni’s necessity was firstly to maintain independence. She shares details of each new ALS challenge she encounters. Then her creative solutions and tools that empowered her to move through life despite her body’s motor neurons deteriorating. She encourages the use of many modalities to cope with an unforgiving illness: medicines, humor, movement, therapies, music, friendship, acceptance, distraction, gratitude, love, celebrating small victories, pushing boundaries, frequently reshaping perspective, living for the present.
Later, as her ALS progresses beyond the realm of maintaining practical independence, necessity births a new discovery - that asking for and receiving help is mutually satisfying. And this flow of goodwill in both directions creates a loving interdependence that many of us miss out on when we instead prioritize independence.
Jenni experiences the direct support of the services her helpers offer, but she finds the greater gift in the feelings of gratitude that arise for those helping hands she comes to depend on. Likewise, those helping hands learn the necessity of some of the oldest yet often neglected “inventions” there are: community and human connection. When we ask for what we need, we offer those around us the meaningful opportunity to experience purpose through service.
I experienced a sadness at the end of this book. I had become invested in Jenni’s resilience and her defiant spirit. It was an honor to bear witness to her hard lessons, to see her wisely balance acceptance of reality against finding new creative options for continuing a life of meaning, purpose, and joy. I was rooting for Jenni and for an (as of yet) impossible outcome for the hero of this ALS journey. My sadness at the book coming to a close is, no doubt, a tiny fraction of the sadness those who were lucky enough to know this special human felt when her journey ended.
This book is for anyone facing an ALS diagnosis or struggling to maintain their quality of life in the face of an unforgiving illness. Jenni walks before us and holds a torch to light a courageous path forward. She shares a contagious determination to persevere and make the most of the life she has. May we all be so inspired to push boundaries in the face of harsh adversity.
The theme of community struck me most of all at my current phase of life. Jenni’s helping hands in response to her courageous requests for help has taught me a valuable lesson about the human need to both receive and offer support to one another. In the week following this book, I asked for help three times for things that I historically would not have. And each of those requests, as well as the ensuing help + emotional lift to myself and others, is a direct result of Jenni’s teachings here.
So I say ‘thank you’ to Jenni,
The teacher in me honors the teacher in you … Namaste.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews