Summary
In the book, Jeannie tells us about her personal journey with a pear-sized brain tumor – how the tumor was discovered; the surgery to remove the tumor; and her long battle with pneumonia following the surgery that left her bedridden and unable to eat and talk for a month; and her recovery.
How a Pear-Sized Tumor Changed Her Life
By Rick Banas of Gardant Management Solutions, Inc.
I just finished reading the book “When Life Gives You Pears” by Jeannie Gaffigan. Having worked in health care and senior living for nearly 50 years, the book’s subtitle – “The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People” caught my attention.
Jeannie is a director, producer, comedy writer and the mother to five children -six, as she puts it, if you count her husband, comedian Jim Gaffigan. In the book, Jeannie tells us about her personal journey with a pear-sized brain tumor – how the tumor was discovered; the surgery to remove the tumor; and her long battle with pneumonia following the surgery that left her bedridden and unable to eat and talk for a month; and her recovery.
She recounts her battles with grief – with not knowing if she was going to survive.
At the same time, the book is filled with heart-warming stories about the vital role that her family; her faith in God; prayer; and laughing played in her journey. There are accounts of the many people who just happened to show up in person or call at just the right time. She expresses gratitude for all the ways the experience has impacted her – to be more appreciative of life, to developing deeper relationships; to just savoring the ability to swallow water.
I encourage you to experience her story for yourself. Just have handy whatever you normally use to dry the tears that are bound to come to your eyes.
