Описание: This is a story not only for those touched by cancer but also for those looking for inspiration to follow their dreams.
Karine Tobin's emotional and candid memoir We Only Live Once traces how the young mother's life was turned upside down by a diagnosis of terminal cancer. The book conveys a tumultuous journey, buoyed by hope but wrapped in fear. Above all, it envelops a time-honored lesson of never taking life for granted. Tobin begins her story in September 2015, when she is thirty weeks pregnant and optimistically expecting a full-term delivery. There is an immediate draw to the heart-wrenching grief and drama she experienced with earlier pregnancies. Now, the discovery of a painful lump in her armpit brings about newfound concerns. The stark diagnosis of stage four melanoma suddenly forces Tobin to prepare for the likelihood of a fatal outcome.
Tobin's use of both a past and a present time frame provides a relieving segue between the harsh realities of her treatments, trials, and shared illness statistics, and earlier years when Tobin decided to follow her bliss. Such narrative reflections capture the joy and difficulties of earlier events, from skydiving to starting life in a new country to and marriage and family.
Recalling her move to Australia, Tobin reveals her infatuation with the area in a verbose, colorful style. Like an enthusiastic tour guide with a keen traveler's eye, she brings attention to a landscape inclusive of magical sunrises, the beauty of the Glass House Mountains (a sacred Aboriginal site), city excursions, and walks along renowned Bondi Beach.
A premonitory moment comes with the recollection of a bad sunburn acquired after surfing Maroubra Bay, which led Tobin to a local pharmacy where the chemist warned her of cancer dangers due to the unique intensity of Australia's sun. Yet, with the book's glass-half-full sentiments and "I have to survive this beast" fighting attitude, the incident is not dwelled upon.
While Tobin sees herself as blessed with both a husband and children, there are no heavy religious overtones in her hope for the miracle of survival. Still, it seems a poignant moment when she stops in an old church to light a candle and slip a note into the book of prayers.
In later chapters, time's passage brings an added sense of urgency. Here, Tobin addresses a new to-do list with priorities ranging from hugs and travel adventures to planning funeral arrangements. Such polar entries acknowledge both her conviction and her sense of calm and control before an unknown future.
Like similar health-related memoirs, both the book's story and dialogue play into the author's emotional whirlwind. Devastation, powerlessness, fear, pain, and sadness all rise to the surface.
Ultimately, this book is a bucket list accomplishment for Tobin. It is a story not only for those touched by cancer but also for those looking for inspiration to follow their dreams. Above all, We Only Live Once showcases a strong woman and the value of her carpe diem mentality.
