Book Review: Never Give Up – My Life and God’s Mercy
I’ve had this book read and sitting on my desk, reminding me to write a review for it for a couple of days now. I’ve been chewing it over, thinking about it – it’s a fantastic book, first off. Mr. Janaro writes his testimony of suffering (Lyme Disease + depression + obsessive compulsive disorder) in the light of God’s Mercy. I can relate to him on the depression front – I’ve been off and on medications for it and I think of depression as something that will always follow me around.
The book has short chapters, and the voice of Mr. Janaro changes throughout the book. Some chapters are full of short sentences with not much elaborating, others are fully elaborated and explained. Meditations and prayers are interspersed throughout the book. He writes about Lyme Disease, his depression, the OCD – how it affects his life from his job to his family. It’s hard for me to imagine Lyme Disease, but I think I have a pretty good understanding of it thanks to Mr. Janaro’s reflections.
The book is not a pity party by any means. It’s a beautiful song of praise to God for His Mercy – sharing in His Suffering, understanding His Mother, and of course; the beauty of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. I love how Mr. Janaro writes about why he keeps going instead of despairing and the truth of faith, hope, and love for the Christian means that there is something more … something beyond physical pain and mental torments. It’s so easy to forget that, especially in the midst of deep or extended suffering, and Mr. Janaro’s book is a great reminder to keep our eyes on God, even in the middle of suffering.
The brevity of the book doesn’t mean that it’s an easy read. It is, in the sense that it’s not a giant exegesis of Suffering and Mercy; but it isn’t in the sense that there is so much contained in this book to be digested, thought upon, reflected on, meditated with – I know I’ll be re-reading it when Little One is born and I’m caught in the throws of post-partum recovery, lack of sleep, and making sure Elise has one on one time with me. I want to loan this book to my mom when she’s recovering from her brain surgery (Deep Brain Stimulation as a treatment for Parkinson’s, if anyone’s curious), because I know she has had her own set of suffering, beyond anything I can comprehend. I want to loan this book out to a lot of people, really.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Never Give Up – My Life and God’s Mercy . I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.
February 8, 2010
Posted in: Reviews 
No Comments
Seven Quick Takes
1.
My drama with the insurance company change in coverage of generic Zofran (here and here) appears to have gone to a new level. The B6 works, but not as good as I was hoping it would – I’ve had some massive throwing up this week and due to too much nausea today almost got dehydrated because of feeling so horrible. My mom did her Mom Guilt Trip enough at me to call up Dr. M’s to figure out what I could do. The nurse at Dr. M’s will be calling the insurance company to (hopefully) get them to approve my full dosage of generic Zofran. She also wasn’t sure if they would get the approval done in the next 6 weeks.
2.
Even though the B6 took the edge off, I just can’t live day by day, wondering “will today be the day that I need to call Greg home from work because I can’t stop throwing up?” Even on the day when I was throwing up, I didn’t take a Zofran because I was afraid I’d really need it later. I can’t live like that. :-/
3.
Moving away from insurance wank/drama/throwing up; we have found Godparents for Little One. YAY! Now all that’s left is to schedule the Baptism. ::insert happy dance here::
4.
My mom has this ability to hear things I can’t – mainly when her wash machine is on the rinse cycle (so she could send me down to put a capful of fabric softener in it). I’m happy to say that I’ve developed that insane sense of hearing – no matter where I am in the house, I can hear the mailman in his mailtruck down the street. It’s very handy as he doesn’t deliver the mail at a set time – he came at 12:30 for example; when he usually delivers about 2 hours later. It must be a mom thing.
5.
I received Lisa Hendey’s new book today. First impressions: it’s surprisingly thick. That’s a good thing, mind you. 
6.
The nurse called back (can you tell that I’ve been writing this post all.day.long – gotta love life with a toddler) and while I don’t have an authorization (yet), she does have the ~*~paperwork~*~ for Dr. M to fill out. Basically, they’ll be handling the insurance company for me – YAY! – so I’m hoping that this will expedite the process than if I had to get the paperwork and do the process on my own.
7.
For the “can I see your belly?” enthusiasts, here’s a picture from today at 34 weeks (and 1 day). 
Pretty soon, I’ll have my own zip code! 
—
More Quick Takes can be found at Jen’s.
February 5, 2010
Posted in: Children, Headcovering, Health, Pregnancy, Random Life 2 Comments
Small Successes for February 4th
1.
I delinted the bathroom today! Our dryer vents into the bathroom, so I’m forever delinting most of our little apartment. The bathroom is especially frustrating, as lint gets into everything and eventually it’s like walking into a sock, or perhaps someone’s navel. I finally had enough (or maybe had some nesting energy) and delinted the thing. Whooooooo!
2.
After delinting the bathroom, I successfully kept Elise from trying to get into the toilet AND cleaned the sink. Toothpaste, little hairs from Greg shaving, soap bits, and yes, lint; all removed.
3.
At 3:30 this morning, Elise had a giant nightmare and required Immediate Mama Assistance. She ended up spending the rest of the night in our bed, and before I fell back asleep I had the urge to make a spiritual communion. I figured there was a Mass going on SOMEWHERE in the world at 3:30a my time. It was very beneficial spiritually, and I’ve found that at times today when I want to be frustrated / whine or complain / wank; I get that little voice saying “Maybe you should make a spiritual communion.”
—-
See what others are celebrating over at Faith and Family Live.
February 4, 2010
Posted in: Children, Converting, Devotionals, Domestic church, Random Life, Spiritual Life 5 Comments
A Loss for Words
I’m sure to most people, I come off very cold. At least, at first. I’ve always been shy and definitely not a “people person” (groups of people wear me out, honestly). I have a lot of social anxiety and despite many sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy in college, it’s still something I struggle with. You’d be surprised if I detailed how agonizing it is for me to make a phone call under ordinary circumstances. It’s not surprising then, that the main venue for me to hash out things, work out problems, or vent is through writing. The paper is much more patient and forgiving than people, I’ve found.
Over the past couple of days, situations have been presented to me that leave me at a loss for words. I suppose it gives the impression that I don’t care, I’m not interested, or am not affected by what’s happening; when on the inside it’s the opposite. Sometimes I feel like a poor friend, a bad wife, or whatever simply because I just … lose my words. I don’t know if I’ve lost friends over all this but I wouldn’t be surprised if I had.
There is one thing that I can do, which is pray. I do pray hard for the people in those situations and the situations for themselves. I never really know how to pray for them but at least the Good Lord knows my downfalls and my lack of words. Not that I need any words, for that matter.
Maybe in the future I’ll be less anxious and have words to say in situations, when they come up. But until then, I try not to worry about it, and make sure I’m praying.
February 3, 2010
Posted in: Converting, Random Life, Spiritual Life 6 Comments
Not all Roman
From the “people who can say it better than I ever will” department, Understanding the Churches and Rites of the Catholic Church.
A snippet:
The average Catholic – as well as the average non-Catholic – believes that the Catholic Church is one monolithic church, with one way of celebrating Mass and a single hierarchy which rules that church. However, the truth is much more complex, so much so that I’m reminded of the saying, “I don’t believe in organized religion, I’m Catholic.â€
A quick but VERY educational read about who’s all a part of the Catholic Church. Hint: it’s more than just “Roman”.
February 3, 2010
Posted in: Church 2 Comments
Preparing for Lent
With Lent right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to celebrate it in our little domestic church. The birth of Little One is right in the middle (well, almost) of Lent; so that kind of puts things into a whole new perspective. The biggest question I would like answered is “How does God want me to celebrate this Lent?” What can I do – or not do – that will fill my life with God and thus draw closer to Him?
I have a couple of ideas rolling around in my head, but nothing definite yet.
I plan on looking through The Catholic Home by Meredith Gould and browsing Catholic Cuisine for some food ideas. Looking back, our Advent was very fruitful; even if Elise didn’t “get it” totally. I’m not expecting her to “get” Lent either; but all the activities and foods can help her start to realize that hey, something different is happening. And of course, give us adults that reminder as well.
February 2, 2010
Posted in: Children, Devotionals, Domestic church, Health, Liturgical Year - Lent, Pregnancy, Random Life, Spiritual Life No Comments
I’m drowning in books!
I was pleasantly surprised today to find a gift card to use at Amazon from Yale University in exchange for answering some questions a psychology research student was asking. Therefore, I expanded my “books to read postpartum” list by adding:
- Children and Parents by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
- Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman (this book is actually for Elise, but I think I’ll enjoy it, as well)
- Favorite Novenas to Mary by Fr. Lovasik
- The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul by Lisa Hendey
I’m also currently reading Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life by Kathleen Norris and today received a book that I get to review for the Catholic Company.
I think I’m set on books … for now.
February 1, 2010
Posted in: Devotionals, Domestic church, Health, Pregnancy, Random Life 2 Comments
How’s that morning sickness?
I’m sure we’re all waiting with baited breath to hear how the Great Vitamin B6 Bonanza of 2010 is going. I’m happy to say that I’m progressively getting better. Saturday was absolutely horrible, Sunday was a bit more bearable, and today has been pretty good. The only downside is that I am even more exhausted now than when I was on Zofran. Go figure that one out. I still have my waves of nausea and sometimes need to lay down due to feeling like I’m going to throw up; but I have been keeping everything down. My hopes with the B6 is that it would leave me “functional” and it has. I do miss the feeling of no nausea that the Zofran gave me, but considering the alternative; I’ll take the nausea waves.
February 1, 2010
Posted in: Children, Health, Pregnancy, Random Life One Comment
When Two Is Too Many
I have a question for all the Mamas out there: what do you do when you get that dreaded comment along the lines of “you should stop having kids.”
Since I’m asking, it’s safe to say that we got that nice little bombshell dropped on us recently. I’m still at a loss as to why that was dropped on us, since we only have two kids who are perfectly taken care of. And considering one isn’t even born yet, I’m even more confused. We may not have the same lifestyle as everyone else, but it works for our little family and we enjoy it.
In all reality, I thought that if we were to start having more than “the average” number of kids, that we would get the “stop having kids!” comments. Around the city where we live, “the average” is around three. I never thought I’d see the day where two became “too many”.
Obviously, prayers are definitely needed for this person; but how would you (charitably) respond to this situation?
January 30, 2010
Posted in: Children, Prayer Requests, Random Life 5 Comments
7 Quick Takes
1.
Proud Catholic Mama Moment: Elise absolutely HAS to say “good morning” and “good night” to Jesus every single day. Her greetings to Him include giving the picture we have of the Sacred Heart kisses (and a little desktop crucifix we have), as well as waving and saying “deeSUS” at every image she can. ♥
2.
I’m beginning to accumulate books to read when Little One arrives and Greg’s home on paternity leave (since I plan on doing NOTHING but laying in bed, nursing, and recovering in that time). So far, I have The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley, God Help Me! These People are Driving Me Nuts! by Gregory Popcak, and the book on kindness by Fr. Lovasik that I mentioned back here. Books I have already to re-read are Danielle Bean’s book (see #3), Holiness for Housewives and Other Working Women by Fr. Hubert van Zeller, and The World’s First Love by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. I think that should tie me over quite nicely.
3.
I finished Danielle Bean’s book, Mom to Mom, Day to Day last night. I laughed (a lot), I cried, and I know that this book will be 1) recommended to friends and 2) read and re-read often. A lot of what she talks about I can relate to, and it’s a book that brings with it a sense of relief in knowing that there are other Mamas out there who have gone through the same thing.
4.
I’m really not enthused with the “new money saving” prescription plan we had to change to. The previous plan had no problems with my generic Zofran prescription – one month’s supply, check. The new plan has decided that my need for generic Zofran needs to be “pre-approved” and therefore I only can have 6 pills a month filled. 6. Per. Month. Even though Dr. M writes my prescriptions for one pill a day, they still require “pre-approval”. And honestly, by the time they approve; I’ll probably have given birth. Not to mention that at 33 weeks pregnant, I do NOT feel like battling The All Knowing Prescription Plan People, especially since it’s administered by the state government. ::sigh:: And with as hormonal as I am, I’d probably have a complete lapse in charity and really just rip someone apart, and I’d rather avoid that.
5.
I’m hoping extra B6 in my diet will help. This weekend I’ll be hoarding (rationing? saving?) my precious generic Zofran (5 left, took 1 this morning) and trying B6. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll call up Dr. M and figure out what else I can do that does not involve prescriptions. If the prescription plan is this wanky about generic Zofran, I highly doubt they’re going to like any other anti-nausea drug better. And if the B6 doesn’t work, then the prescription plan people will be hearing from me. Every. Single. Day. until they do something about it that doesn’t involve a metric ton of paperwork and weeks upon weeks of waiting.
6.
I’ve started with that delightful pregnant lady waddle. I never had that with Elise, so waddling is still kind of cute and novel to me. My belly also has a dedicated pillow in the bed with me, also something I never needed with Elise. I’m sure in about 2 weeks I’ll be sick of waddling, so be sure to ask me again how I feel about it! 
7.
I’d like to use my last “quick take” to mention how amazingly awesome Greg is. In the throws of morning sickness, he never once has complained about changing a poopy diaper/emptying smelly trash cans/cleaning a toilet or doing other tasks that smell bad or are not visually appealing. Every morning for the last who knows how many months he wakes up at 6am, and brings me a glass of water for my Zofran. He gladly takes Elise in the evening so I can have a bath and relax, and rubs my back any time I ask him to. He is rock solid in his faith and we have many deep conversations about things in our faith lives, such as the darkness that I’ve been experiencing. He can explain things to me (usually about heresies and Latin, thanks to his college courses) as well as answering random questions about history. He would really clean up in Trivial Pursuit.
He really is an awesome husband and sometimes I feel like I take him for granted; so this is my reminder not to as well as my opportunity to brag about him.
—-
More Quick Takes are available for your perusal over at Conversion Diary.
January 29, 2010
Posted in: Children, Devotionals, Domestic church, Health, Liturgical Year - Ordinary Time, Pregnancy, Random Life, Spiritual Life 10 Comments
