Loved Into Being: A story of stroke, grief, family and medically assisted death

by Jill Bodak

A true story about stroke told through the eyes of an eldest daughter. When Bill Bodak suffers a catastrophic stroke on a ski hill in Kelowna, it thrusts the entire Bodak family into new territory. As Bill fights for his life, his three children are called to be near him, little knowing that his imminent death could turn into the longest and most transformative adventure any of them have ever been on. In this epic tale of courage, resilience, love and loss, Bodak weaves her professional and personal identities into her raw and honest struggle as a caregiver, griever and girl scared of death. This book is a tribute to one extraordinary man and caregivers everywhere. A portion of the proceeds from each book are used to support organizations advocating for end-of-life rights.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2022

Reviews

[Joanne Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an impossible thing to put into words how deeply moving this story is. Jill, I honestly don’t know how you managed to share such a gutting, gruelling, honest and yet beautiful account of your personal journey with your dad. But thank you for doing so.

[Vicki Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an honest, brave recount of living through an unimaginable family tragedy... and the struggle to provide care and quality of life for a well-loved dad, brother, son, partner. Grateful to have read this powerful book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, even when it was breaking my heart. Jill's memoir was raw, real, and honest, but never self-indulgent. Wrapped beautifully around the story of her father's catastrophic stroke, his subsequent care, and his choice to die on his own terms via MAID in December 2022, is the story of Jill herself - her childhood in Thunder Bay, her relationships, and her work in osteopathy and wellness in Toronto.

I've known the Bodak family for most of my life but was never more than an acquaintance of Bill, who suffered a stroke in January 2020 on a ski hill in Kelowna BC. I felt as if Jill's writing gave me an opportunity to know Bill, even just a bit, as she described his life and his struggles post-stroke. It felt oddly privileged to be invited into such an intimate time in a family's life. I laughed, cried, and hugged this book when I was done. You know my rule - if I hug a book at the end, it's automatically 5 stars.

Proceeds from this book will be donated to Dying With Dignity Canada.

I highly recommend this book.