Two lives embarked on a 16-year journey through chronic illness and grief, offering advice for caregivers along the way

Julie Annette Bennett announces the release of 'The Phoenix Man'

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BalboaPress

Aug 17, 2021, 00:00 ET

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Aug. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- While caring for her husband, Scott, for the past 12 years, Julie Annette Bennett had not found a book that went from caregiving, death, and widowhood, with caregiving tips along the way. She realized that she needed to continue writing about her caregiving experiences when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Then, after Scott's death, it made sense to her to continue jotting down her feelings during the grieving process. Writing was therapeutic for her and she felt there was a story ready to be told. In "The Phoenix Man" (published by Balboa Press), Bennett shares the story of two lives that embarked on a 16-year journey through chronic illnesses and eventual grief, offering advice for caregivers along the way.

When Scott collapsed in the Target parking lot on March 4, 2007, his wife of 15 years believed he had died. As Julie called 911, she thought, "Oh my God! I'm not ready. Please don't take him yet. Please God, don't let him die!" That moment in time began a medical journey for the couple that no one should ever have to live through. Together, they faced uncertainties that would test Scott's strength of spirit and fill Julie with a courage that would guide her as she became a caregiver for the man she loved. Now, Julie shares their story in a loving tribute to Scott and to their beautiful life together; she also offers a helpful guide for all caregivers encountering their own challenges.

"Life happens and people survive and die every day. The Phoenix Man gives a complete picture from start to finish of a caregiver in training through a spouse's multiple serious health issues. As Scott learns to adjust through each disease and I tried to keep a positive outlook, I express my feelings and frustrations with the medical community. Learning to speak up for Scott's needs, I find ways to cope through each setback," Bennett says. "From caregiver to widowhood, each chapter's Note to Caregiver gives tips on how and where to get help, reminds the caregiver that their life matters too, gives caregivers permission to feel their frustrations and doubts, and most importantly, this book reminds caregivers that they are not alone."

When asked what she wants readers to take away from the book, Bennett answers, "My hope is that as someone reads our book they remember that how you treat your loved one and others is of the utmost importance in this life. We all blow it at times and say things we regret, especially when tired. But how one responds to the aftereffect is what's important. Also, if readers find at least one helpful tip that helps them navigate through this life as a caregiver or just life in general, I will feel blessed to have been a positive part of their journey." For more details about the book, please visit https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/811911-the-phoenix-man

"The Phoenix Man"
By Julie Annette Bennett
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 294 pages | ISBN 9781982268732
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 294 pages | ISBN 9781982268718
E-Book | 294 pages | ISBN 9781982268725
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Julie Annette Bennett currently facilitates two Alzheimer's support groups, zooms with a meditation class, and is planning to finish a novel she began many years ago. She has two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren and lives in Santa Rosa, California.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. – a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 844-682-1282 today.

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SOURCE BalboaPress

Related Links

https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/811911-the-phoenix-man