Every Step Is a Gift: Caregiving, Endurance, and the Path to Gratitude

by Josh Lasky

According to AARP, 78 percent of people find themselves in the position of caregiver to a loved one at some point in their life. But not many will embrace ultramarathons as a coping technique.Every Step Is a Caregiving, Endurance, and the Path to Gratitude explores Josh Lasky’s eleven-year journey as a caregiver to his father who battled Parkinson’s Disease. Josh was just twenty-one when he took on this Herculean responsibility, and although his story is unique, it is also universal.In his uplifting and life-affirming journey, Josh’s service to his father turns into a personal source of strength for him after deciding to ride his bike, alone, from Washington, DC to Portland. Along the way he discovers his love for endurance sports while also uncovering the realization that, although caregiving can be challenging, it can also be empowering.Whether you’re a caregiver, an athlete, or just dealing with the hardships of the human condition, this book can help you to find meaning in the struggle—and become stronger and more grateful in the process.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2020

Reviews

[Amy Dong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through this book, Lasky shares with us a painful, beautiful, emotionally-wrought story of an ailing father and caregiving son. The writing is brilliant and tear-jerking, with each chapter emanating elegance and grace, bitterness and pain, suffering and gratitude, and most importantly, humanity and honesty.

Having just finished the book, my heart aches. Without revealing any spoilers, I will simply say that I feel older, wiser, more wistful, and more aware of and grateful for the mundane things of every day life.

Lasky's emotional and physical endurance is inspiring. Whether you are an athlete, a caregiver, or someone who is looking for a life-or-death reason to live life to its fullest, this book will not just move you--it will electrify you into action and send you running for those beautiful sun-kissed hills.

[Robin Pollak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and Provocative

My husband and I don’t usually like the same books, but he recommended this to me and I was drawn in by the author’s ability to weave together the threads of his journey as a caretaker, as an athlete, and as an adult in unexpected ways. I appreciated the deep vulnerability and beautiful language. Josh Lasky brings intensity to his life and his writing. I’m fascinated and I want to know more.

[Jena Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

The book was well written, extremely insightful, and definitely hit home as I work with a lot of people with Parkinson’s disease at my job. (And As a wellness director I know how important physical activity is for body and mind and have been a long distance runner myself for similar reasons). The dynamic between father and son, and the authors selfless act of caring for his father is very inspiring.

[Amanda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started I devoured it. A story so well told I felt like I was a friend of the author, alongside him on a trail run and diving into what makes us tick as runners. A great reminder of why the journey is often worth so more than the end result.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and touching. It is a quintessential read for anyone caring for another, or someone dealing with struggle. Josh Lasky truly pours his heart out into this book and this glimpse into his journey will leave you with tears in your eyes and a warm feeling in your heart.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational book of challenge and uncertainty was full of love and compassion. Absolutely Inspiring to see both the physical and mental challenges of endurance sports paired with the challenge of taking care of his father

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved, sometimes to tears, by this honest and vulnerable story. As a runner, daughter of someone who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and Physical Therapist who often works with this patient population, I related to so many parts of the author’s story.

[Harrison Kudwitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and touching from start to finish. So much to learn from this book!

[Anne M. Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really compelling and emotional read. If the book blurb/subject interests you, dive in 100%