So you're hopeless, helpless, joyless, alone, in pain, terrified, depressed and crushed. I get it, I've been there. I mean, I was basically born with cancer and at age 10 I began having (what looked like) seizures and a crippling, unfathomable, unidentifiable phobia. I said I had seizures, the neurologists disagreed. EEGs would have unveiled any neurological disability but it did not. Despite my cries that the "phobia" and "epileptic fits" were related, I was told only that what I suffered from was psychological and emotional, not physical. I was referred to psychologists and psychiatrists who didn't know what to make of me either. But at least I had my family and friends, right? No, no and more no. Most of them insinuated that I was mentally deranged, making it up all in my head; lying because I was an attention-seeking diva, liar; or in denial of the fact that I needed therapy and that was the end. Few could or wanted to try to understand that although what made me phobic and terrified didn't affect them and though the doctors' assessment was different than mine, I might not be making everything up. The worst thing yet was that the God I had grown up in my Pentecostal Church hearing about, the one that was allegedly for me in every way, shape and form (especially if I was saved/ "born again"), was not taking away my illness and pain nor did He seem to care. Yes, I had faith (though confused and wavering) but I believed. I was just sure that He had abandoned me which led me to abandon Him. This book is for those that have experienced anything listed above in any way. If you experience emotional, physical or mental pain and anguish of any sort. This book is also for caregivers -parents, friends and/or family- who are watching (and maybe listening to) your loved one's torment and you are at a loss of what to do to ease their pain, keep your relationship and just plan survive, let alone thrive. Maybe you're at the end of your rope and have thrown your arms up in surrender. Maybe you feel that being between the Rock and a hard place is not the place to be. If you want misery for your company then you've picked up a book that will give you that but also may help you find something better and be better. I am not where I want to be but I'm not where I was... and maybe never will be... but is that ok?
--- "I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation..." Paul I Am. abandoned is available in hardcover, paperback and kindle format as well as will soon be offered in audiobook (and audiobooks are the best in my opinion!)
-Blaire LaClare Koop