Detailed Information:
The Sudden Caregiver: Surrender to Enlightenment by Barbara Snow. After a journey through the underworld of caregiving, I emerged a cross-cultural shaman!

We had been married only six weeks when tragedy struck. After my husband?s disabling stroke, he was not the man I had recognized as soulmate. Struggling with post traumatic stress and grief, I managed until his depression turned suicidal and he turned to tequila to numb his pain. The grace that saved me came through the teachings of Oscar Miro-Quesada and the love within our sacred circles. As I gained strength from the love of my ayllu and embraced the power of the Pachakuti Mesa, I found renewed hope. I learned to distinguish between care giving and enabling, between sacrifice and martyrdom ? to make my way to healing and renewal.

This true story explores the potentially dangerous shadow issues that caregivers face: personality change--inverted relationship dynamics--post-traumatic stress--and the caregiver?s frailties. A testimony to the ability of a community of Spirit to transform any situation, this memoir also reveals a true story of healing across dimensions, as my husband communicated his love and sorrow from the other side of death.

"?an intimate look into a survivor's world, trying to make sense of what never will. With clear voice and compassionate heart, Barbara skillfully describes the steep learning curve one faces when caring for a loved one collides with the emotional devastation of realizing that?things will only become MORE challenging. She provides hope, inspiration and RESOURCES for surviving and learning to live as yourself once again."

-- Lynn Bosworth, professional counselor and Pachakuti Mesa Carrier.

?Absolutely, heartbreakingly gorgeous? --Alice S., San Francisco, CA

?An incredibly helpful, sanity-saving book? --Sue Q., Mountain View, CA.

?I was compelled by the beauty of the writing. Then I was captured by the story?

--Elizabeth S., Mill Valley, CA.

?This story needs to be told?so others can find their way as well? --Marial M., Lafayette, CA.

?Particularly moving?a glimpse of the light that is within you? --Leonard B., Los Angeles, CA.

?Without exaggerating, I could not put it down" --Michael S., Palo Alto, CA

?Your book does not cease to amaze me! I can?t put it down. It?s incredible. I have been laughing and crying and deeply moved by your phrasing, stories and powerful, powerful poetry.? Judy Cohen, theatre arts therapist.

Author's Notes: In addition to teaching and healing with the Pachakuti Mesa, I am a Spiritual Care Counselor in the Hospice Program at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek, CA.