The Patient Who Blinked A Book

liveblueconsulting
8 minutes ago
2 min read

This is one of the great stories about resilience, again a story from the “The Everyday Hero Manifesto”.

(In the book Robin talks about purchasing many copies of his favourite books, he explains why. My reason is a new puppy decided to eat Mr. Sharma’s words- I wonder if he ingested some of the wisdom hmmmm”)

Onto the patient who blinked, Jean - Dominique Bauby. Editor - in - Chief of French Elle. He had a very elite lifestyle.

Tradgedy struck while driving with his young son just outside Paris. He suffered a major stroke that left him completely paralyzed.

Except one eyelid.

Locked-in-syndrome (pseudocoma) did not affect his mind. It was very clear.

His therapist taught him a new communication code called the silent alphabet, this included blinking letter by letter to compose words.

Bauby learned and showed exceptional heroism in life’s cruel situation.

In over 200,000 blinks Bauby shares his memoir in a book. “The Diving Bell And The Butterfly “. His caregiver/helper helped him pen this.

Two days after being published he passed away from pneumonia.

His life message can be read in the pages, with the core message about Positivity and possibility.

His book can be found in most book stores and has been converted into film as well.

Personally speaking, my work in the care world is about learning people’s stories, it is often a reminder of the sacred gift of moments, seconds, minutes and hours we live where the superpower of wealth is HEALTH.

Have a great week,

Danielle Pointon

Live Blue Consulting