An Influential Journey

Vitality Stories

carlen-maddux Author Carlen Maddux

A Path Revealed

During my drive across the country, I read an advance reader’s copy of Carlen Maddux’s A Path Revealed: How Hope, Love and Joy Found Us Deep in a Maze Called Alzheimer’s.

Carlen’s wife, Martha, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease when she was only fifty years old. Fifty years old! I’m 45, almost 46, and I always thought Alzheimer’s was for the elderly, not someone turning fifty.

I’ve been waiting to read this memoir for almost two years–ever since I met Carlen during an online workshop in October 2014. I’ve also been following his blog where he’s clear that his memoir isn’t a self-help book, and in fact, A Path Revealed isn’t a story focused on alzheimer’s (he prefers not to show respect for the disease by capitalizing it).

“But this is not a story about hopelessness. Rather, this story traces a path that emerged during their family’s darkest hours, a path they did not foresee. Encouraged by a friend and Presbyterian minister, just after the diagnosis, Martha and Carlen drove from their home in Florida to visit a Catholic nun in Kentucky. This path first appeared among the hills and back roads there.” – A Path Revealed

Having read the book, I can confirm, it’s a memoir and not a self-help book, but from the moment I started reading, I began to learn invaluable lessons that I could apply–wanted to apply–to my own life because when a man shares his journey with such humility, vulnerability, and honesty, personal reflections are unavoidable. Click here to read my review of A Path Revealed and find out how Carlen’s journey has influenced my daily life.

Have you ever read a story not intended to help you but does by its very nature of heartfelt truth? I’d love to hear about it. And if you read A Path Revealed, which was released yesterday, please let me know what you think.

One last thing before I go, I’d like to share a short story I wrote involving alzheimer’s, Forgive & Forget. I value your time and hope you enjoy this piece, and I wish you and your loved ones health and happiness.

As always, thanks for being you and Happy Fall.

Teri