Out From the Shadows

by Patricia Bradley

Not long ago I read Pam Thorson’s Out 
From the Shadows and was profoundly touched by this devotional. Whether you are a caregiver or in need of a word of encouragement, her words will touch your heart and and lift you up.

Pam, tell us a bit about yourself and Kevin and how you came to write Out from the Shadows. 

I’m a wife, mom, grandma, licensed practical nurse, and full-time caregiver. My husband and I have been blessed with five adult children and two granddaughters.

In 1997 our middle son Kevin suffered a devastating spinal cord injury in a fall while on a teen missions’ trip to Canada. He was nineteen at the time. He was initially paralyzed from the neck down and was kept alive on life support until we arrived at the hospital. There we fought back a push for euthanasia and brought Kevin back to the United States for more treatment and rehabilitation.

As Kevin recovered from his injury and learned to live in his new body, we learned how to care for him. During this time, he regained significant feeling and movement in his body. Although he is still mostly disabled, he has weaned off the ventilator during his waking hours, learned to walk again with help, and has worked hard to build a life for himself.

Over the years, our family has experienced most of the trials and emotions faced by millions of caregivers every day. As I committed myself to the lifelong marathon of caring for our son, I realized how easy it would be to let our journey through the valley of the shadow consume my joy, my energy, and my other relationships.

Now I know that although I live in the shadow of Kevin’s injury, I must never settle for living in the shadows of my faith.

Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver came out of my love for writing and a deep desire to “comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ~2 Corinthians 1:4 NASB  

 

What do you plan to work on next?

 

I have several projects in the works. Two of them are collaborations with my daughters. I’m excited about them, so check in at my website and Facebook page often for updates.

 

Where can readers connect with you? Where can readers buy your book?

My website, http://www.pamthorson.com, tells more about my books, upcoming projects, speaking engagements, etc. A popular page on my site is called “Unstoppable,” a feature which spotlights families who face special challenges in life. It’s one of my favorite projects!

 

Along with my colleagues Grace Thorson and Michele Creech, I have a caregiving resources and inspirations blog at http://www.prismscaregiving.blogspot.com.

 

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.

 

If you like my devotionals, you can find a new devotional every Wednesday on Slightly Obsessed at CMADDICT.com.

 

Readers can find Out from the Shadows and my first book, Song in the Night, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble, or you can order it at most stores.

 

Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

 

My favorite creative outlet besides writing is gardening home projects, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at my garden right now. I love getting outside and enjoying my beautiful little cabin by the river.

 

 Author's Bio:

Pam Thorson is a licensed practical nurse, author, speaker, and full-time caregiver. She pioneered in the homeschooling movement from 1982-2006 and authored her first book, Song in the Night, in 2008. Her newest book, Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas), released March 28. Pam resides in the Pacific Northwest with her family.