Caregiving

“Beauty in the Broken Places”
by Allison Pataki
Traveling on her “babymoon” in an airplane, the author’s husband suffered a stroke. Athletic, a medical resident, and 30 years old, her youthful husband demonstrates that anyone can have a stroke. This Christian account deals with raising young children, returning to work, and assuming different marital roles, numerous aspects younger people will inherently confront.

“Coping with Stroke”
by Monica Vest Wheeler
In this relatively short book, Monica Vest Wheeler provides advice, tips, and wisdom to caregivers. From taking breaks to allowing the survivor to do things independently, she addresses the struggles most caregivers endure while trying to assist someone else. The 50 lessons are easy-to-read and approachable for the reader.

“One Stroke, Two Survivors”
by Berenice Klieman
Berenice’s husband, Herb, had a stroke later in life. Although she is the author, he also includes brief vignettes in this book. This account is unique because Klieman provides “Lessons Learned” at the end of each chapter, and these are helpful pieces of information that she learned throughout this process.

“One Hundred Names for Love”
by Diane Ackerman
Diane’s husband, Paul West, suffered a stroke in 2003 leaving him with aphasia. Her unique perspective as his wife renders this as a caregiver account. Ackerman is an author and a literary wordsmith, so the style is both descriptive and playful. This incredible account reads a great deal like a love story marked with their creative adaptations of traditional therapies.

“A Piece of Her Mind”
by Mona Gupton
When Gupton’s 21-year-old daughter, Stacy, experienced a stroke in 2003, their entire world changed. Gupton instantly became a caregiver, and Stacy, an art education student, had to relearn how to paint, among other things. One could argue that Stacy’s art is better after the stroke, demonstrating that life-altering events may ultimately have a benefit.

“A Stroke of Luck”
by Dr. Juli Dixon
In 2010, 12-year-old Alex Dixon had a stroke. This account is written from her mother’s perspective with some additions from her other daughter, Jessica. This account is notable as Alex had immense pain before her brain surgery, which ultimately caused her stroke. After the stroke, the pain was gone, demonstrating that strokes can have positive health benefits as well.

“Stroke Through a Mother’s Eyes”
by Felicia Zera Kalapos
Jaclyn, Felicia’s daughter, was a healthy 32-year-old woman with several young children. In 2013, she suffered a stroke which left her with aphasia. The community support Jaclyn received was incredible, and this account highlights this outreach. Kalapos tells her perspective from events that transpired up to a year after Jaclyn’s stroke.

“The Stroke That Touched My Heart”
by Myrtle Russell
Myrtle’s daughter, Mia, had a stroke at 37 years old in 2017. Mia includes some passages in this account. This book emphasizes gratitude, such as with community support, laughter, social security, and even things as basic as a shower. In fact, there are gratitude lessons and stories at the conclusion of every chapter.