Chronic illness is an intruder into a person’s normal, everyday existence. It can be life-altering, interfering, challenging, and overwhelming, not only affecting the person with the illness but also the person’s family. Closely bound by the same environment, the children and spouse surely feel the impact of the chronic illness as they are also thrust into a world of chaos. How does a family react to chronic illness? How should a family react to chronic illness?
A husband's perspective
"Beyond Chaos" is written by Gregg Piburn, a public speaker, freelance writer, and owner of Leader’s Edge Consulting, Inc. The book, which was published in May 1999, is a first-hand account of Gregg’s life alongside his chronically-ill wife Sherrie, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Through his personal experience as the spouse of someone who is chronically-ill, Gregg significantly grew emotionally and spiritually. He shares with his readers that which he learned along the way. Piburn’s book is divided into four sections, each of which contains three chapters. Each of the chapters is comprised of a series of short, easy-to-comprehend essays. The four sections of the book correspond to phases which describe how people communicate and work together as they build and develop relationships. Phase One is called "pseudo-community" and consists of people who avoid showing true emotion. Phase Two is called "chaos" and relates to angry people. Phase Three is recognized as "emptiness" which is suggestive of people who display vulnerability. Phase Four is "community"—people who build true, honest, and effective relationships.
How to best live with chronic illness
The mission of the book is to show us how to best live with chronic illness and move through the four phases to the highest level. It is possible to learn how to minimize and control the chaos. This 346-page book is a must-read for anyone who lives with a chronic illness, and for those people who love them and live with them.
