I am venturing into another memoir, It’s Not Yet Dark. The author is practically unheard of, at least in my reading journey. Simon Fitzmaurice, an Irish film-maker, was given four years to live.
I researched what MND (motor neurone disease) is and it is another term for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ). It is an uncommon condition that affects the nerves and brain. It progressively damages parts of the nervous system.
The first time I heard of this disease was when I read the inspiring book Tuesdays With Morrie. Morrie was afflicted with the same ailment and a former student of his documented it. I watched the movie adaptation too.
I promised myself I would read other memoirs for my reading challenge this year. I’ve only just started and it is definitely engrossing. What does it mean to be at your lowest of low and those moments when your health is compromised? Short of saying, “I’ve been there, done that”, you always cling to the hope that you will get well in the end. Despite everything, you cling to your faith that everything would be okay, that you will live a normal life again. It’s hard to get sick, and it is even harder to maintain that composure amidst hospital and doctor visits, laboratories, drugs and low self-esteem.
It’s Not Yet Dark! It’s my 13th read for this year. I got a feeling it would be another unforgettable read. I have just finished a historical novel set in Tuscany. I love anything that has Tuscany in it…haha!
Here’s one quote that I love about It’s Not Yet Dark.
“Our lives are not the legacy we leave behind, or the value of the work that we do. Our lives happen in between the deeds and ideas that define us.”
This looks such an interesting read, please let us know if it lives up to expectations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I will. thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
An outstanding Quote Arlene… I know of MND well……
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ivor.
LikeLike
My maternal uncle died of MND. As he was such a close relative, I researched whether or not it was hereditary, and it is not. My Dad also suffered from it, but of course he was not related to my Mum’s brother. My Dad died of lung cancer, before the MND could affect him too badly.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad to hear about it Pete. Maybe it is just like cancer. it catches you unaware. Glad to know it is not hereditary. Let’s take care of our health.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe I have already said the ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ is one of my favourites
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s mine too. When I was operated on nine years ago, I gave my two doctors a copy of each. Thanks Derrick!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Reading, Arlene. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people have such terrible times with health problems, Arlene. I’ve been pretty lucky so far, but you never know about tomorrow. I only hope I’m able to cope with whatever life brings. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Jo but when God wills it, you will get well. It is really so hard to get sick. Aside from the financial worries, you feel you’ve been abandoned, so alone. Almost ten years ago, I was in that predicament, undergone sigmoid surgical operation and six cycles of chemo. But God is good and God is great. He made me well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that quote. A man at church is slowly succumbing to that disease, but his wife brings him faithfully every Sunday. I admire her devotion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s sad but it is good to know they haven’t lost their faith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And we all get to know the challenges others face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True.
LikeLiked by 1 person