Straw into Gold
Illness, Loss, and Hardship as a Path to Inner Peace
Diane LaRae Bodach
This book is a journey about being human, about opening to life in whatever form it takes and extending loving kindness to oneself and others no matter what. It tells the story of many who have endured great physical and emotional losses in the form of chronic illness, pain and disability as well as through relationships and identities that, once held dear, are stripped away.

Diane LaRae Bodach is brutally honest, yet wholly compassionate, in her self-examination, and in the telling of her spiritual and physical journey through life, including chronic illness, cancer, and impending death. Her experiences and wisdom, her willingness to be with life and self exactly as they are, and to open to all that comes her way -- no matter how difficult -- can benefit us all.

Although this book journeys through intense pain and loss, the ultimate teaching is that whoever you are, and no matter what life presents, love, compassion and joy are always possible, suffering is optional.

ISBN: 978-1-57733-223-7

Endorsements

"A beautifully written, searingly honest, and profoundly moving account of one woman's journey through chronic illness and suffering, and the life lessons she learned." Jim Dreaver, author of End Your Story, Begin Your Life

"I had the unique privilege of working closely with Diane during the last year of her life as part of her integrative health care team. Diane was a gifted writer and poet, an out-of-the-box spirit who would come in for her vitamin infusion dressed in a long blue wig with wild sunglasses. She never lost her sense of humor throughout the ravages of dealing with chronic illness and then cancer. In her last month of life, she presided over her 'living' wake, a wild and wonderful dress-up party outdoors, with Diane in her bed on the throne under the spreading oak tree. Her unique talents make her story not only touching, but exquisitely and subtly expressed. During her last days, we took turns reading to her aloud to put the final touches on her editing, with many tears of sadness and joy being shed. This book is a treasure." Elaine Weil, Nurse Practitioner, Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center, Sebastopol, CA

"Many years of illness and pain prepared Diane for her last adventure with friends to the Sonoma Coast. Propped up on many pillows and blankets she ate dark chocolate and ripe raspberries while singing 'Give yourself to Love' and experienced the total joy we shared with her so often throughout her dying process." Tom Meyskens, lover of spoken poetry, fellow Love Choir member and friend

"Diane fully engaged in her life and her death. She didn't want to miss anything. Though debilitated, weak, and living with chronic pain, she traveled with us to Mexico and went on by herself to another retreat, sending us home with a suitcase of homeopathic drugs and other heavy items. She camped, canoed, and attended musical festivals during her last throws with cancer with a 'little' help from her friends. At her request, we have spread her ashes in beautiful places where the people she loves go and can be with her. She was a great teacher. She shared her joy and her tears, her life and her death with grace, honesty, and openness. Straw into Gold shares Diane's amazing journey and imparts the wisdom of a woman who inspired many with the way she moved beyond illness, hardship, and dying to embrace love and life." Linda Mollenhauer-Meyskens, Life coach and close friend