a very good book indeed

1. 9 I had heard from others how good "Impaired: a nurses story of addiction and recovery" by Patricia Holloran was. Good does not even begin to describe it. My sister gave me this book as a gift for Christmas. She had heard me mention it in passing one day, and as always she remembered. More important than the book itself is how she came about aquiring it. To know my sister is to know that she doesnt just give a gift, she puts an incredible amount of effort into it. I opened this book last night, carefully removing the wrapping paper. I expressed my thanks for the gift, commented on her remembering such small things in passing. And then she killed me by saying this "I went to used book stores, I wanted to find one that had history attatched, so you would know someone here, in Alaska, had read this same book before". I cried. I discussed that deeper meaning with her, discussed the other nurses hands turning these same pages, and immediatly told her that it was a gift i could not keep. I would read it, write a message into the book, and then redonate it. And then I cried more, as I began reading it. The book is raw, and heartfelt, and full of hope. A good Christmas gift indeed. Happy holidays everyone!

   •  
2. 8 Comments

   Comment
3. 
   #1 0

   Dec 25, '13 by MichelleRN34

   So sweet and thoughtful. Merry Christmas .
4. 
   #2 0

   Dec 25, '13 by sallyrnrrt

   how wonderful, Merry Christmas
5. 
   #3 0

   Dec 26, '13 by sallyrnrrt

   i took your advice and ordered on amazon
6. 
   #4 0

   Dec 26, '13 by TXRN2

   what a sweet & wonderful sister- & gift!!
7. 
   #5 0

   Dec 26, '13 by Blessed_RN2011

   That is a great book! I read it when I was getting clean. It gave me strength and hope!
8. 
   #6 0

   Dec 26, '13 by BuckyBadgerRN, RN

   Wow, your sister is some kind of awesome
9. 
   #7 0

   Dec 29, '13 by Twoyearnurse

   I finished the book! It was really very good. My favorite quote? "the way I let go of things is by leaving my fingernail marks all over it". It's a good story about letting go. That's the hardest part isn't it? Accepting what is happening now versus holding into what was. And yes, my sister is crazy amazing and sweet and kind and many other adjectives. I'm a lucky woman!
10. 
    #8 0

    Jan 7, '14 by Twoyearnurse

    Hey Sally, did you get your copy yet?

Must Read Topics