CHANGING
LANES - book review
When our
bodies change due to aging, illness or disability, we are forced
to make adaptations that can often cause deep trauma. This was
my personal experience upon becoming disabled in 1992. Like
many others, I didn’t immediately see that these changes
could be an opportunity for positive change. It was during this
sad and difficult transition that involved divorce and moving
in with family, that I first read Victoria writer Michael Creurer's
articles in the MS News. Michael's articles were like the comforting
words of a friend. His writing conveyed a feeling of great understanding
and compassion.
Michael's new book, "Changing Lanes" is a compilation
of the articles I found helpful as well as some new writings.
Written by a man who has himself had to adapt to a lifelong
disability, "Changing Lanes" is a metaphor for driving
down the highway. At first all is well, we are keeping up to
the faster traffic and enjoying life in this fast Iane. As we
age, become disabled or ill, we must acknowledge our frailties
and adapt to them with courage and the grace to move over to
the slow lane. What now? One chapter in Michael's book speaks
about the grieving process, a series of steps we must take in
our journey towards re-accepting our new self. We may find it
is difficult being alone with this new self. A Chapter entitled
"Alone But Not Lonely" offers reassurance that we
are never truly alone if we learn to enjoy our own company.
The relationship with our self is truly the most important relationship
we will ever have. If we feel ready to meet others, the chapter
on relationships addresses this, a subject seldom discussed
for people not young or able-bodied.
There is life in this slow lane and lots of it. We are here
adapting to the hand life has dealt us. Some are here, like
Michael, assisting others on this road. Sometimes the road is
rough or uneven and we may need a tow or push to help us over
those ruts. Michael Creurer has been there and has many thoughts
to share on coping. Michael says, "Life in the slow lane
allows us the opportunity to seek answers to the questions that
we never had the time to ponder when we were searching for opportunities
and striving to accumulate in the fast lane".
Being in the slow lane is a fine place to be. Michael's book,
"Changing Lanes" affirms this and is in itself proof
of what we are able to accomplish from this slow lane of life.
~ By M.
Rogers
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