Overview

"BEFORE THE MOSQUITO BITE, Rick Gibson was an active pastor, a supportive husband, and a doting grandfather. After the bite, diagnosed with West Nile neurological disease, he was a hospital patient in the grip of relentless pain, forced to relearn the body's most basic tasks: how to roll over, sit up, stand, walk, and even how to think. Now, in West Nile Diary, his wife, Kathleen, recalls how the two of them battled the disease together, armed with Scripture, prayer, love, humour, and loads of determination. It is a story not only of their growth as a couple, but also of their entry into a whole new ministry to those facing their own health and spiritual crises. West Nile Diary, will make you laugh, cry, and resolve never to park in a handicapped parking spot again. ""Entertaining, deeply moving, and immensely helpful."" -- Phil Callaway, author of Honey, I Dunked the Kids ""Absorbing, well written, and full of the spiritual resources of hope."" -- Dr. Maxine Hancock, Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College ""Vivid, accurate, and full of detail and pathos. A good read from start to finish."" -- Dickson Despommier, author of West Nile Story Kathleen Gibson has written for media worldwide and is editor of Prairies North, Saskatchewan's magazine for good prairie living."

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9781988360362

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Reviews

Violet Nesdoly 5.0 out of 5 STARS! Of pirates and angels - a capitvating memoir June 30, 2009 It was in mid-August of 2007 that Rick Gibson got the mosquito bite - a most unexceptional thing to happen at a picnic in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. But days later he was in the throes of such mysterious and disparate symptoms, it took a while for doctors to come up with a diagnosis - West Nile Neurological Disease (WNND). Over the next months his wife Kathleen Gibson rode the roller coaster ride of WNND with him. In West Nile Diary she tells their story from the vantage point of his hospital bedside in Yorkton and the Wascana Rehabilitation Center in Regina. In journal entries, emails to friends and family, newspaper columns, and articles, Gibson journeys us through a six-month interlude that changes the course of this couple's life forever. The book does more than just tell a story, though. For in the telling, Gibson touches on many topics, among them the possibility of divine healing, the purpose of sickness and pain, the beautiful people found in unexpected places, the importance of family, the need for advocacy, what really matters in life, and the key role that faith in God plays when handling such crises. Gibson (long a successful freelance writer and editor), puts her skills to good use in this memoir. She displays the sensitivity to beauty of a poet. Her penchant for detail is journalistic. There are passages of welcome comic relief where she combines an eye for the humorous with the timing of a comedian. Her skillful combination of all of the above result in a story that takes us past circumstances to an understanding of heart truths. Though the pirates of West Nile (her description of the disease) could have scuttled the Gibsons' boat, they didn't. In fact, just the opposite happened. This inspirational story will not only encourage you to keep hope and determination alive in the worst circumstances, but will also educate you about West Nile Neurological Disease. Don't be surprised if after reading it, you find yourself at the local drugstore or supermarket loading up on mosquito repellent. Sandra Bell Kirchman 4.0 out of 5 STARS! Wonderful Journey of Hope and Triumph April 17, 2009 I am a freelance writer who was asked to do a book review of Kathleen's wonderful WEST NILE DIARY. Here is an excerpt from my review which appeared in The Miner-Journal in April 2009: Gibson's writing in WEST NILE DIARY shows her competence. It is clear, concise, compelling, and evocative. When she celebrates days of joy with her grandbeans (as she calls them), you can feel the rush of happiness she feels just writing about the incidents. When Rick has setbacks that match the recurring one-step-forward-two-steps-back pattern, every word is imbued with her despair. She keeps you there, watching the adventure unfold and feeling the joys and leaps of faith and quiet pleasures, right along with the pain, the frustration, and the terrors the two of them faced...and overcame. Douglas Woods 4.0 out of 5 STARS! For Difficult Times March 11, 2009 This is an amazing story of one couple's journey through difficult times. The Gibson's story is a clear reflection of how vibrant faith can empower us in the midst of the turbulent times.

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Kathleen Gibson has written for media worldwide and is editor of Prairies North, Saskatchewan's magazine for good prairie living.

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