Kick-Ass Kinda Girl: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Caregiving - Softcover

Koll, Kathi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1732364907 ISBN 13: 9781732364905

Publisher: Ward Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

2019 Indie ExcellenceŽ Award Winner ˇ 2019 Independent Press Award Winner ˇ 2019 Reader's Favorite Silver Medal Winner ˇ 2019 Book Excellence Award Finalist
Kathi Koll's acclaimed and award-winning memoir is both a love story and a survivor's tale in which Koll courageously unveils an unexpected life of joy, adventure, heartbreak, and even little laughter as she shares the realities of life as a full-time caregiver.

When her husband, Don, called on his way to the hospital, Kathi Koll had no idea how dramatically their lives would change or how her loving heart and indomitable spirit would fight it. From childhood, her life might have seemed charmed —play dates with Lucie Arnaz, real dates with a future TV idol, and a big brother engaged to film star Dolores Hart. But behind the scenes, her role as a caregiver began early with a mother dying of cancer, a father battling alcoholism, and a brother diagnosed with a debilitating disease. Then Kathi found Don Koll--her "rock"--and their joie de vivre and unstoppable moxie made everything feel possible. Until Don woke up "locked in" after a catastrophic stroke.

With raw honesty and refreshing humor, Kathi shares the realities of a life in uncharted territory as a full-time caregiver, from turning her home into an ICU to trying to regain a couples' intimacy. Her ability to share sorrows while laughing at herself helped her find a "new normal" where she and Don could live each day to its fullest. Koll's journey is a powerfully moving tale of resilience and finding inspiration--at the best of times and under the worst of circumstances.

About this title

From the Author:

I hope people who have found themselves in the complex situation of being a caregiver will find hope in my words. My story is unique, but so are all of your stories. ...I've had many challenging life experiences, and as I look back at them, I wouldn't change any of them. The joy of life is to be able to see the positives no matter how bleak the moments are. Just work through them. I promise you -- there really is a rainbow of happiness around each challenge. I've always been rather adventurous, and my life as a caregiver was too. I used to say to myself, If I can think it, we can do it. ...Yes, I've had many sorrows, but most importantly, I've had much joy. I can only hope that in sharing my story, a piece will resonate with others who are also going through difficulties and see that things can get better. -- Kathi

From the Back Cover:

Discussion guide and 22 B&W photos inside To view more photos from Kathi Koll's photo album please visit KathiKoll.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Ward Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1732364907
• ISBN 13: 9781732364905
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276