Just days after turning fifty, Martha Maddux, a spirited mother and civic activist, is told she has Alzheimer’s disease. She and her husband, Carlen, feel as though they’ve been shoved out of a plane 10,000 feet up, with nothing to grab but themselves. But A Path Revealed is not about the fallout from an insidious disease that extended nearly seventeen years. It is in Carlen’s words, “The story … story of a path emerging during our darkest hours, a path that we neither planned, nor foresaw.”
Carlen traveled with Martha to the backwoods of Kentucky, where the quiet presence of a Catholic nun revealed a hidden path. He was forced to slow down as he traced this path halfway around the world to Australia, retreated weekends to a monastery, embraced meditation, and landed all alone in Thomas Merton’s cabin.
A Path Revealed echoes accents heard in Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies, Richard Rohr’s Falling Upward, and John Bunyan’s 17th-century classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
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The reason the book came to be was because the author’s wife was diagnosed with and eventually passed from alzheimer’s. The book focuses less on the disease and more on the spiritual aspect of the journey. It is beautifully and lovingly written.
I always thought the journey was so easy for other people and mine not so easy because there is something I lack, but this book made me see that this is incorrect thinking on my part. This book is very inspiring and I hope Mr. Maddux will write another one.
Nicely and honestly written account of a couple dealing with a difficult life situation. Shares about fresh sources of inspiration, growth, and hope.
very uplifting if you have a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s
This is the first book I read when my mother showed signs of dementia. What a spiritual journey the author has shared with us! I appreciated the honesty, the excellent scholarship, and the humility of this path.
Alzheimer’s disease is something that more and more people are faced with–either as sufferers or caregivers and family. This very personal journey of a family dealing with the diagnosis and journey through exploration of treatments to the death of the patient was very well done.
Wonderful book, full of great information have me much insight.
I was quite inspired by the different methods the author used to connect with God in the midst of his struggles regarding his wife’s diagnosis. His vulnerability was very helpful. I was sorry that God didn’t restore her to physical health, but was happy for the peace He gave this faithful husband.
Appreciated the sharing of the author ‘s spriritual journey but more practical information about the progression of the disease and day to day coping would be very helpful for the reader who is reading the book anticipating his own journey
I am interested in those who suffer from alzheimers, as the author’s wife did. He covered how he, his children, and to some extent, how his wife reacted to her diagnosis of alzheimers. It was written from a Christian perspective and I appreciated that.
It was okay. I could relate some to the authors journey.
Very helpful and written very honestly. Turning those in the same portion of life to the Lord for strength and guidance. Having gone through this with my mother and father I could truly relate.
Gave me a lot to think aboit. Very deep.
It was a well written book and it gave me a lot to think about concerning myself. it showed how to get through difficult times with God and how to seek and pray
This book tells the story of Martha and Carlen for a period of about 17 years of their marriage when Martha suffered with Alzheimer’s. Both of my parents had the disease and I expected to relate to their experience. But instead of dwelling on life with a loved with the disease the emphasis was more about Carlen drawing closer to the Lord as he walked the journey. It was outstanding with many things to think about in anyone’s walk with the Lord no matter what problem you must handle.
The author has written well about his search for God and for meaning during his wife’s illness and early death from Alzheimer’s. Although the events are sad, the author finds hope and comfort in his challenges.
This is an outstanding book, one that should be read if a family member or friend is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Spiritual
Very real.
It’s a good read.
This was an exceptional book; I felt I was privleged to learn from this man.