Suffering in Slow Motion

Richard Kennedy is dying from early-onset dementia. Pamala and their children are dying in a way too--suffering in slow motion. To make the most of their limited remaining time together, Richard and Pamala have written this resource--competent and practical, transparent and gracious--to help others who may find themselves in similar situations. The book includes a list of organizations that help with a wide range of terminal medical conditions. Paperback, 224 pages. Vine Books.

"If two writers ever opened a vein and let their story pour out, Pamala Kennedy and Richard Kennedy do so in Suffering in Slow Motion. The Kennedys chronicle their story of Richard's battle with fronto-temporal dementia, 'a rare form of dementia' which initially manifests itself with personality and behavioral changes. It progresses with Alzheimer's-like symptoms and ends in death.

"Though sharing the pain of their personal experience, the Kennedys offer spiritual, emotional, and practical guidance on dealing with terminal illness in whatever form it takes. Pamala adapted much of Richard's writing from the journals he has kept during his illness.

"The Kennedys identify who is writing each section by printing in boldface who is the author. They encourage readers to recognize and minister to the heartaches of others by including the stories of others who have faced heartbreaking illnesses or accidents themselves or with family members.

"Ending each chapter with questions for discussion, suggestions for personal application, and advice for the caregiver, they have structured the book for group or personal use. They describe the fears we face with a terminal illness, what suffering is and what its purpose is, learning to trust God even when He does not heal, keeping the family close, ways friends can help, making the lonely decisions, and finding comfort in God. They offer extra encouragement to the caregiver.

"The book is well written and engaging with much personal illustration and liberal use of scripture. They offer a ten-page appendix of organizations to contact for conditions from aging to strokes.

"Living with the specter of genetically-linked Alzheimer's in my family, I have read several books on dementia and Alzheimer's. Another book in which an Alzheimer's victim courageously shares the story of his early onset Alzheimer's is Losing My Mind: An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's by Thomas DeBaggio. Though both books courageously share the struggles of the authors, the Kennedys' book maintains an eternal perspective and an optimistic trust in God while DeBaggio's account draws the reader into his grief.

"Not only does Suffering in Slow Motion provide practical guidance, it also offers hope for eternity and comfort. I would not hesitate to offer it to those enduring a terminal illness or to their family members." -- Debbie W. Wilson, Christian Book Previews

Average Rating:

3 of 3 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Connie Nelsen (Kearney, NE), January 29, 2010

Excellent book with very good helps for someone going thru a difficult dementia. It was very helpful to me and I would recommend it.

Reviewed by Connie (Kearney, NE), December 14, 2009

This was an excellent book and I would recommend it for anyone who has a family member going thru a long illness. It has helped me so much in coping with my husband's illness. Practical AND spiritual help both. Two thumbs up!

Reviewed by Paul Richards (Owasso, Oklahoma), September 20, 2004

Suffering in Slow Motion is an honest, compassionate look into one family that is dealing with a terminal illness. Practical help and hope is offered to family members, and especially to the primary caregiver. More than 52 million Americans have served as a caregiver to a loved one or friend during the past 12 months. This is no sugar-coated approach to dealing with the harsh realities of life and death. Suffering in Slow motion explores the value of family, faith and friends. It is a must read for families that are faced with the harsh reality of the prospect of losing a loved one.

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Author: Richard Kennedy
Located in: Owasso, OK
Submitted: August 27, 2004

    Tell us a little about yourself.  Pamala is a preacher's daughter, born in Oklahoma, but moved with her family to California when she was 12. Richard is a native Californian. Richard and Pamala met at church camp when she was 14 and he was 16. They both attended California Christian College. Richard earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Richard served in local church ministry for 30 years in churches large and small. Richard and Pamala have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  When the news of Richard's disease crashed in upon us, we began looking for information we could read to inform and arm ourselves for the journey ahead. We found many books for grief recovery after losing a spouse/child, but almost nothing to read to help people who were facing a long, drawn out illness. Because Pamala had already written one book, and a desire not to waste our suffering experience, we prayerfully decided to share our story in hope that it would bring some comfort to others traveling the same road.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  Pamala and I have opened up our hearts to give people a look inside to what it feels like when you have been told that you are terminally ill. We are open and transparent; no punches pulled. Our hope is that people will find courage and strength to trust God - no matter the circumstances - and to lean into Him.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  We have enjoyed the writings of Philip Yancey, Charles Swindoll, Max Lucado and music by FFH, Mercy Me, and Rich Mullins to name only a few.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  We have discovered that most often the attention is given to the person who is ill. Often the care giver is neglected - intentionally or unintentionally. Care givers have a unique set of needs all their own. We have often said "For every prayer offered for the person who is ill, offer two for the caregiver." The book also addresses some of the unique needs of the care giver.

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