Reflections, My Three Year Journey to Freedom, Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Reflections “My Three Year Journey to Freedom” was published and released in 2010 and shares the story of my MS experiences expressed through poetry both spiritual and personal in nature. Throughout the book, my artwork accompanies these writings to help narrate the story so that the readers may come to understand the disease visually as well.
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Reflections Book Reviews
Carolyn's book provides a beautiful but harrowing glimpse into the world of physical suffering and psychological pain associated with chronic illness for those of us lucky enough to be free of the debilitation associated with MS and other chronic illnesses. It also offers an empathic voice and symbolic shoulder for sufferers of the disease to lean on. The poems are sparse, honest, and beautiful, and the paintings provide a striking visual complement to the emotions expressed in the poetry.
--Roger Anderson, President and CEO, RE Anderson & Associates
Carolyn's poetry and paintings provide a powerful glimpse into her painful Job-like struggles with Multiple Sclerosis and its effects on the mind and spirit as well as body. Carolyn's are is a moving testimony of her journey in faith and growth through trauma.
--Ann M. Herd, Ph.D., Professor and Executive Coach,
University of Maryland University College
Over the last 17 years, we have lived with and learned from someone we love who suffers with MS. We thought we understood what life has been for her. Having had the privilege of reading "Reflections," Carolyn's insightfulness and intimate expression of coping with this disease has made a deep impact on our level of admiration and respect for those who face this challenge every day.
--Robert & Shelli Hermance
Reflections Book Reviews on Amazon
GBNEDUZ
5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory reading for all caretakers
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2011
A must-read for caretakers or loved ones of people with a chronic or serious illness. Carolyn documents her darkest thoughts as she struggles with the pain and exhaustion of dealing with a chronic illness and how it affects her self, her work, and her relationships. Much of what goes on inside her head is hidden from others as she tries to cope and find meaning in her struggles. You cry with her as she exposes her broken side, anguish and daily struggles. Then you rejoice with her as she emerges and finds energy and peace in her relationship with God and in discovering her talent with art. Eventually, she starts to have more good days than bad. It is a realistic view of the self-talk, the way an illness can change you and the difficult battle to stay one step ahead of depression and keep moving. People tell her she is brave, they tell her she looks good, but like so many with a serious illness, they smile on the outside but suffer on the inside. Carolyn also shares her work as an artist and how nurturing this talent allowed her to heal and eventually move out of the darkness toward the light again. This should be required reading for anyone going into the health profession.
GOARMYBEATNAVY2018
5.0 out of 5 stars A path we should all discover to help us in our own journeys.
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2010
Verified Purchase
We all seem to be touched during our lifetimes with paths that we did not plan or choose despite our best efforts. This book demonstrates a path no one would have chosen, but the author chose to share with us. It is an extraordinary book in both content and illustration. I could not tell which touched me more-- the poetry, the candid revelations, or the artwork contained in the book. This book is so incredibly honest--had to be written and published. The MS Society should offer it as should Barnes and Noble. There is not enough real-life stories of success in MS. This is one of them.
5.0 out of 5 stars A real look at the pain and suffering for people with MS
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2011
My heart ached reading this book and yet, it gave me a better understanding of how difficult life is living with a debilitating disease. Ms. Legg's honesty is commendable, she put herself out there for all to see. She gives us hope that a person can live and even excel when you believe in a higher power and in your own abilities. She will never know how much she has helped me. I realize the obstacles and hurdles people with this disease have to overcome. She remains a vital and inspiring force to all who have traveled on this journey with her. Her art is almost tangible and speaks volumes on her state of being at the time of her relapses and the hope she has for her future. She is truly a brave and caring woman who has the ability to give hope to all of us no matter what life has to offer.
5.0 out of 5 stars The artwork is beautiful on its own
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2016
First of all, I read this book in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. I knew there was artwork by Carolyn in the book and was interested in that as well as the poetry, but what I didn't expect was how the art and the poetry combined to make such a powerful emotional statement. Carolyn, through her words and her art, has revealed to us her deepest, darkest emotions and pain. But by going into this deep, dark place with her we are able to understand how she was compelled to choose acceptance in order to a fulfilling life. Although this book is about MS, the process that Carolyn shares could help those facing any kind of serious life struggle. The poetry is very accessible and powerful. The artwork is beautiful on its own, but with the words becomes so much more. I'm so glad I found this book.
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2014
I was blown away by the story and artwork. Beyond insightful and inspirational.