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Heavy: Finding Meaning after a Terminal Diagnosis, A Young Family's First Year with ALS
“There is pain and suffering in this world, but there is also joy, and not just suffering here and joy there, but suffering and joy in the very same place.” Has your world gotten heavy? Are you or someone you love facing an unimaginable loss? Is time divided between “before” and “after?” When Todd Neva saw a neurologist after experiencing weakness in his left arm, he and his wife, Kristin, were blindsided by devastating an ALS diagnosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that results in total paralysis and eventual death, usually in three to five years. In Heavy you’ll find companions in pain and also companions in joy. An ordinary couple with two young children, once looking ahead to a lifetime of dreams together, Todd and Kristin know how heavy life can get. Their honest story, journeying through the first year after Todd’s diagnosis, shares the perspective of both a person with a terminal diagnosis and a spouse. You will take heart for your own journey as this spirited family perseveres to find meaning, hold on to faith, and discover joy in the midst of pain.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2014
11 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 19, 2023
My husband who had been diagnosed with Bulbar ALS disease for 2 years at the age of 63 had all his symptoms reversed with Ayurveda medicine from natural herbs centre . com after undergoing their ALS/MND natural protocol, he no longer requires a feeding tube. God Bless all Lou Gehrig’s disease Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works
May 20, 2020
A story that I can relate to. It's promising that Todd is still alive 10 years after being diagnosed. It give me hope that I still may have several years left. I loved that they didn't try to hide the diagnosis and the theory was so that more people become aware. Sometimes I have felt that maybe I have a little too out there with telling people. I am amazed at how many people have never heard the term ALS. Thank you for being willing to share.
July 14, 2017
Very inspirational!
This is a really good read. It gives
a true inspiration for dealing with illness and tragedy. I feel like I desire a more spirit filled life! Something to aspire to! Thank you both for sharing with us!!
This is a really good read. It gives
a true inspiration for dealing with illness and tragedy. I feel like I desire a more spirit filled life! Something to aspire to! Thank you both for sharing with us!!
March 28, 2014
Heavy helps lighten the load of the terminally ill and their families
Todd and Kristin Neva give readers an honest and at times raw look into the first year of living with ALS. The Neva’s faith has been challenged, and their life has changed drastically since Todd’s diagnosis. ALS has no cure and the end result will be death. Todd and Kristin share how they came to terms with the inevitable and how they choose to respond to it.
The first year after a diagnosis of a terminal illness is the most crucial. A wide range of emotions are experienced and figuring out how to cope with all the changes challenges the patient and family on every level. The reader is reminded they are not alone and that it is okay to grieve. The Neva’s experience is a balm to the soul of those going through similar trials. This peek into what they were thinking and feeling during this adjustment period encouraged me to be more proactive in the things that matter most—family and faith
I found Kristen’s honesty and venting her anger toward God a breath of fresh air. So often Christians fear they are betraying their faith if they let anyone know they are angry with God. Kristen knew God was big enough to handle all the stages of her grief.
Todd’s ability to deal with the practical areas and willingness to let others serve him spoke volumes. I love his honest assessment of each change his body went through. Men will relate to his struggle. As I female reader I got a real education on how a man thinks as his ability to provide for his family and care for himself is slowly stripped away.
Even if you aren’t dealing with terminal illness or have a family member that is, you will still benefit from reading their story. Often, outsiders don’t get what it is all about and are ready with pat answers or sappy words. This intimate look at the first year was a revelation for me. I feel a freedom to explore my faith, when in crisis, on a deeper level. This is an encouraging, faith-building read for anyone who is in the midst of crisis or wants to know how to more effectively help those who are.
Todd and Kristin Neva give readers an honest and at times raw look into the first year of living with ALS. The Neva’s faith has been challenged, and their life has changed drastically since Todd’s diagnosis. ALS has no cure and the end result will be death. Todd and Kristin share how they came to terms with the inevitable and how they choose to respond to it.
The first year after a diagnosis of a terminal illness is the most crucial. A wide range of emotions are experienced and figuring out how to cope with all the changes challenges the patient and family on every level. The reader is reminded they are not alone and that it is okay to grieve. The Neva’s experience is a balm to the soul of those going through similar trials. This peek into what they were thinking and feeling during this adjustment period encouraged me to be more proactive in the things that matter most—family and faith
I found Kristen’s honesty and venting her anger toward God a breath of fresh air. So often Christians fear they are betraying their faith if they let anyone know they are angry with God. Kristen knew God was big enough to handle all the stages of her grief.
Todd’s ability to deal with the practical areas and willingness to let others serve him spoke volumes. I love his honest assessment of each change his body went through. Men will relate to his struggle. As I female reader I got a real education on how a man thinks as his ability to provide for his family and care for himself is slowly stripped away.
Even if you aren’t dealing with terminal illness or have a family member that is, you will still benefit from reading their story. Often, outsiders don’t get what it is all about and are ready with pat answers or sappy words. This intimate look at the first year was a revelation for me. I feel a freedom to explore my faith, when in crisis, on a deeper level. This is an encouraging, faith-building read for anyone who is in the midst of crisis or wants to know how to more effectively help those who are.
September 4, 2016
Amazing
Beautifully written, raw, and amazing. Couldn't put it down. A lot of good information and understanding the impact that ALS has on all involved.
Beautifully written, raw, and amazing. Couldn't put it down. A lot of good information and understanding the impact that ALS has on all involved.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews