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Grace Gawler's Memoirs: Grace, Grit & Gratitude.
As a Johns Hopkins preventive medicine-trained physician, who developed the first wellness centre in the US I am very aware of the need for balance around health issues. Grace Gawler’s memoirs, Grace, Grit, and Gratitude, apart from being an inspiring and gripping story, alerts the reader to a whole host of assumptions that are prevalent regarding cancer healing. It is a vital exploration into what really heals. The book is aptly named!
Knowing Grace personally, I can say that I’ve never seen anyone with more passion for speaking her truth, looking at herself, grit, shadow, and all—sometimes even with a magnifying mirror—and able to write it all down in an easy-to-read style. She takes you along on her healing adventures like you’re sitting next to her (not that much of it was done sitting down). This incredible life story reads like an adventure tale, with villains, heroes, and all sorts of characters in between. Her gracious manner of dealing with adversity, and her expressions of gratitude, where I would be hard- pressed to feel any at all, are truly an inspiration.
John W. Travis, MD, MPH, co-author, Wellness Workbook
“It is said it takes a village to raise a child and may it be said it takes a village to assist a cancer patient to live. In this case – Ian’s ex-wife, Grace Gawler (a co-founder of the Centre at Yarra Valley), carried a huge load in Ian’s recovery. As a Psychologist, I am aware of the extraordinary, tiring and necessary role of the supportive carer. The role of the carer is major in the bid for a cancer patient’s healing and survival. Grace’s story needs to be told. She is a remarkable woman with a remarkable story.”
Merran Brown, Psychologist, Queensland.
Reviews for Grace Grit and Gratitude - Source: Holistic pages
Having met both Ian and Grace (then Gayle) Gawler in 1989 as part of their live in program at Jumbunna Lodge, I had not known of what had happened in their life post 1990 and was intrigued.
This book is a must read particularly for women. Grace Gawler is an inspiration, from her early life until present day. I do not know how this book has not had more "push" in the literary world. For those who think this book is about meditation and diet, it is not. It is the journey of a remarkable woman's life and the invaluable lesson's she has learnt along the way and courageously bares her soul so that we may all learn.
Deborah Seabrook
Hi my name is Karen Stokke and have just finished reading Grace, Grit and Gratitude. It is one of the most honest, gut wrenching, funny, sad and heroic books I have ever read.
My father died 4 years ago due to prostate cancer then bone cancer. I am 51 years old and organize weekends away for women. The group is called Wild Women in Pink and I have encouraged them to all read Grace’s book.
In her young life and for so many years she showed so much courage. I have now decided that Grace is on my Bucket List. What an extraordinary women. I feel so good in my heart that Grace found such a wonderful partner to share her life with. Thank you Grace, Thank you for being such an honest and truly beautiful soul upon this earth
Grace, Grit & Gratitude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3ToWJcnH4E
Grace Gawler’s memoirs, Grace, Grit and Gratitude kept me reading well into the night. The book is written in an easy style that rewards the reader with insights into Grace as a woman, mother, wife, carer, healer and pioneer of the original supportive care movement for cancer patients in Australia.
A uniquely Australian story, Grace brings alive the 1950’s Australia of her childhood. Her love of animals drew her into vet nursing. She teams up with a young vet and they set up a seemingly idyllic Victorian country vet practise. Almost immediately after their romance develops, he is diagnosed with a usually fatal type of cancer. Their relationship unfolds in the shadow of his illness. Later their marriage becomes the fertile ground from which Grace discovers the depth of her ability to love and to heal. Meanwhile, Grace has grown into a beauty and comes to the attention of a modelling agency. She forgoes lucrative modelling opportunities in order to remain her boyfriend’s full time carer-they married when he had a few weeks to live. In time, he becomes well again and for a while, they flourish and are further blessed with four children. Their journey into his healing and their joint establishment of the Gawler Foundation is alone worth reading. However, what was originally a lifeline for Ian comes at a price for Grace.
When Ian leaves the marriage, Grace descends into her own life-and-death battle with a life-threatening condition and near destitution. Alone, she undergoes over sixteen surgeries while struggling with the day-to-day challenges of being a single parent to four children. Her ordeal imposes many losses including her position at the Gawler Foundation. Few would have survived her hardships but Grace always drew on a mysterious hidden reserve - the same one she used to heal others.
The rest of the book shows how Grace healed herself and reclaimed her identity. It reveals, perhaps for the first time, her unique contributions to the Gawler Foundation - and how she has subsequently forged her own solo career in supportive cancer care as a healer and author of self-help books for cancer sufferers. Perhaps her biggest achievement is founding cancer support in Australia. Many health professionals are involved with cancer sufferers but none offer ongoing support and the unique healing that Grace has pioneered over the past thirty years.
Not merely an autobiography of a unique Australian, this book offers useful information and deep insights for cancer sufferers, their carers, family and friends. It shows how seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome and the miracle of healing is revealed in a way that people can experience it, reproduce it and derive inspiration from it.
I finished Grace’s book late on Saturday night; that night I dreamt about the country practice animal stories Grace had vividly told, and for a night, I was in her life. I woke up just before her more demanding challenges came in the story. I think it is fair to say that her book was engaging. Ernest Hemmingway said once: ‘Courage is Grace under pressure.’ Courageous is not too strong a word to describe this woman.
At the very least, this book is a good yarn with a ‘happy-ending’, as Grace is happily re partnered. At most, its an awe-inspiring Australian story that will improve supportive cancer care in this country. It is certainly however, a story of redemption – well worth the read.
Eve Hillary
Eve Hillary is former freelance medical writer and research analyst on issues pertaining to health care, environmental health and the ways in which globalisation erodes Democracy. She has authored two books, Health Betrayal and Children of a Toxic Harvest. She lives in NSW and is now a health consultant and author who passionately pursues issues pertaining to global wellbeing.
Review by Jeff Hutner New Paradigm Digest USA
Grace, Grit and Gratitude is an autobiography of a remarkable woman, Grace Gawler, whose extraordinary life saved her husband from almost certain death from bone cancer after having been given two weeks to live by his doctors. She also helped save countless others from their doctor’s death sentences. After her husband’s recovery, she worked with him in Australia at the Gawler Foundation providing information that helped many cancer patients take responsibility for their healing and later wrote a book for women with breast cancer and duplicated her successes there.
The book is both inspiring and very difficult to read because of Grace’s inability to move away from an abusive and emotionally frozen husband time and time again. Most women would have left Ian early on but Grace always saw a possibility for communication and healing that never came. In the end, the icy silences and violent outbursts of physical abuse directed at Grace were the precursors to Ian’s finally walking out on Grace and their children. Ian’s departure was not the end of Grace’s challenges physically, emotionally and financially. She developed her own life threatening complication after a surgery requiring 16 more operations and miraculously lived to tell the tale becoming the first recipient in the world of a bionic implant for her condition.
Grace’s story set in the Australian countryside, Melbourne, the Philippines, London, Scotland and the Netherlands is full of epic drama and after hundreds of pages; there is finally hope and resolution beyond imagination. I do not remember a book that made me feel more overwhelmed by the enormity of life challenges faced and overcome nor more inspired by the true grit that Grace displayed from marrying a man given two weeks to live and being totally responsible for his care and recovery to raising children and taking care of the farm on which they lived. Grace, Grit and Gratitude is a magnificent story of overcoming adversity on a scale few can imagine. It puts life into context and reveals a strength and compassion beyond reason.
If you have been or are being challenged in your life, know someone going through hard times or anyone with cancer needing support, this is a must read book. For me, Grace defines a woman on a mission whose work has benefited thousands while saving the lives of men and women including her husband and her own that would have certainly died had this angel of mercy, intelligence and compassion not been there to offer her healing love and light.
Grace is quite simply an angel in human form whose life is a shining example of what we might become if we discover the amazing power of love and focus that all too often become buried by the many overwhelming challenges and distractions of life. To learn more about this remarkable woman please read her astonishing and illuminating memoir.
The following letter about Grace, Grit and Gratitude is reprinted with permission and thanks.
Dear Grace, 1.1.2009
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your memoirs. I have heard andread of your work with women with breast cancer, but I had little understanding of the many ‘hells’ you personally went through. Now I have admiration for you as a person as well as what you have contributed to alleviate human suffering. Your story confirms for me what I have experienced with lots of women who have suffered silently, graciously and then one day feel as if they have been hung out to dry!
As a former minister and then clinical psychologist who jumped the tree in mid life to build a healing centre for people in trauma on the edge of the Barossa Valley. My wife was my rock, my stalwart, my constant encourager. Many thousands of people came to live with us over 20 years and without her, my dream would have evaporated into dust.
Your courage, your ability to minister to Ian during all those years is a heartwarming story that inspires, encourages and gives me faith in our work to help people enter the healing journey. Yes, you have paid a huge price in terms of health, relationship and financially. Yet I do not trace any bitterness. Yes - anger because you felt so pushed aside, taken for granted and could I use the phrase ‘used –up’, yet through it all you followed your heart. You pursued your vision with total commitment and in that I salute you as a model to follow for those who come behind us.
I am sure many have felt you were crazy and you would have received countless messages of ‘why don’t you’ or ‘you should have’ etc, none of which serve any purpose. I have great respect for those people who are totally true themselves and will not betray their integrity no matter what the cost. Again, I am grateful for those in our field who hold to these values – not all do as you know! But you have – and that fills my heart with a deep feeling of thanksgiving.
I have never met you, but this is my year of gratitude and I am writing to all those people who have inspired me that as I move through my mid 70’s there are others coming up alongside and behind us who will inspire future generations to not so much do as we have done, but to say ‘learn from my experience and follow your heart, but do not sacrifice your head.’ I also appreciated your correction that meditation cured Ian. I am now working at the Cancer Care Centre in Adelaide following a small episode with a lymphoma and I know there is no one way of healing. Meditation, diet, exercise and positive thinking all help, but what about the unsung Heroes who care silently, patiently day after day, month after month and year after year. You have been there. You did itand your story is a beautiful reminder to other women in a similar position. I too hope they will rise up as you did finally to say – ‘this is my time – I also have a mission’. Thank you and thank you again. I found it hard to put your book down. You have helped me to crystallise my thinking about starting a group where carers
are equal participants in the healing journey.
I am convinced that intimacy (feeling safe to be vulnerable) is not just one of ourdeepest needs, but it is also a very significant contributor in healing of individual maladies. My work with dysfunctional couples who lived in at our residential centre for help convinced me that this search is often desperate. It takes skill and lots of practice, but again we must want it and be prepared to pay the price for it.
I had no intention of writing to you, but on this New Year’s Day, I thought I needed to put my thoughts on paper – for my sake.
I respect you. I am grateful you are part of the world that I love and to which I also have given my life in service. I trust your new journey will unfold as you dream and hope. Again – I am filled with gratitude that you have put up your sail to the wind, to blow where it will and to maintain your integrity. I see too many who have lived with dis-integrity for too long, too often. I hope your book becomes a best seller.
You have distilled so much wisdom. Peace be with you as you continue your mission. I remember another hero who said, ‘I have come to bring release to captives, liberty to who those who cannot seeand liberty to the oppressed’ – he was also a beautiful caring human being.
Kind regards,
Kevin
If your book becomes a movie,
there won't be a dry eye in the house!
So many times I cried!
So many times I laughed!
So many places I related too!
So much courage!
So many wonderful words of wisdom…
Whatever your beliefs - this is a great thought!
'God polishes his jewels with the 'diamond dust of adversity'!
You must be his most precious diamond!
Amazing how people come into our lives when needed.
I feel your story will help other people I know and would like
another copy of your book for my friend in Melbourne.
My copy is going to be 'on loan' for a while!
with many thanks for sharing your life
Dawn- Northern Rivers NSW Australia
I think your book is especially appealing to women and caregivers. I hope it is published here in the USA. It is an inspiring story and has helped me to dig a little deeper to find more power and strength in my own life. You have such a powerful life force. It's absolutely amazing what you've gone thru, but you still have so much strength to move forward to help others. It must be your generous spirit that gives you so much strength! It inspires me.
I am also praying and visualizing that your book makes the bestseller list in the U.S. It is worthy of it. I read all the time and it is one of the few books that completely captured my attention. It truly was hard to put down. It is extremely well written! You are obviously a gifted writer.
Joleen G California USA
Very often the role of being a conscientious objector is not that of a choice but a destiny. As in Grace Gawler’s case, the unrelenting events of her life, which read almost in“thriller” like sequence, leave one incredulous that this brave and undaunted woman continues to rise from the ashes of difficulty and sacrifice. She should havecollapsed years ago, but like rare women in human history, her role has been to hold the light and move forward while not knowing where her foot will land.
Grace is clearly a person who has never been daunted and through her life experience, she has translated her knowledge into helping thousands of women find moral responsibility and conscience in whatever way that translates for each individual’s life.
Grace, Grit and Gratitude is an inspiration and enrichment for both women and men.
Erica Bader – Brisbane, Qld
Grace , Grit and Gratitude....
Autralia National Library Catalogue: http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4552203?
 Women of Silence - A Book about Emotional Recovery and Breast Cancer - Grace Gawler
1st edition out of print ( image right)
(2nd edition published UK 2003)
ONLY available online hard copy & e-book or
International sales: please enquire - available by POD service (print on demand) E -
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 What Oncologists say about Women of Silence
“This book is full of Thoughtful, practical insights to everyday living with cancer. I would like all my colleagues to read it.”
Professor R.R. Hall- Lead Clinician, Northern cancer Network, NHS - UK
“An essential companion for all women, it answers all the questions you often don’t want to ask. Packed with useful exercises to help you regain control of your situation, it will help you begin the healing process during the emotional turmoil that surrounding breast cancer.”
Professor Karol Sikora Professor of Cancer Medicine, Imperial college Hammersmith Hospital London UK
“Grace writes with authority and compassion. She provides women with an opportunity to regard their adversity as a great opportunity.”
Professor Neville Davidson, Professor in Clinical Oncology, Bloomfield Hospital Essex.
Chairman H.E.A.L Cancer Charity and Helen Rollason Cancer Care Appeal
REVIEW USA: About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is
reviewed by a Medical Review Board
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/bookreviews/gr/women-of-silence.htm
A short film about Women of Silence: Created in the public interest by the students of Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
"With Grace & Power": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wg7u2GqtXc
Reviews Women of Silence Author Pat Pilkington MBE UK
Published - The British Holistic Medical Association Journal ‘Holistic Health.’ No 79
Since Grace Gawler wrote the first edition of Women of Silence in 1994, the field of psycho-neuro-immunolgy has developed and expanded, bringing new clarity to the powerful interaction of body, mind, emotion and spirit. Thirty years ago when her husband developed terminal bone cancer, Grace committed every fibre of her being to finding ways of healing the disease.
Together they journeyed to the edge of life, working their way through 31 different therapeutic approaches, until little by little the life force was switched on again and healing began. Transformed by this experience, they founded Australia’s first Cancer Support Group, working over the years with more than 10,000 people with cancer.
Following the breakdown of her marriage and a serious health crisis of her own, Grace has written this second edition of Women of Silence. As numerous surgical procedures interrupted her busy professional life, Grace focused her attention increasingly on the multi-layered stresses and traumas that lead to extreme physical and emotional exhaustion and illness. “We bleed energetically” she says “losing our passion for living.”
So, the Silent Women of Grace’s book, who so often struggle with breast cancer, bottle up their emotions even though they may not be instinctively passive by nature. Overwhelmed by painful experiences they keep silent; the inner void of unresolved emptiness within them making action well nigh impossible.
So this book, which has relevance for all women and should be on every bookshelf, takes the reader step by step through unresolved grief and loss, through half remembered guilt and shame, through weariness and discouragement to a place where emotional healing can be found. With immense compassion, and insight, Grace tells stories of people who have trodden the Pilgrim Path, finding their way to release, healing and forgiveness.
We hear much about the word ‘empowerment’ these days and admire self-confident, authentic women who hold their place in society with ease and independence. Grace leads her ‘Silent Women’ through a therapeutic programme that gives them access to this sunlit world. Creative imagery, relaxation, meditation, spiritual intention, affirmations and de-stressing, lead to healing and restored boundaries, greater resilience, trust and faith.
Women of Silence is a handbook of health and healing addressing the strong emotional components especially associated with breast cancer; it gives practical advice, help and encouragement to re-connect and restore body, mind, emotions and spirit.
This review was authored by Pat Pilkington MBE Co founder The Bristol Cancer Help Centre, Bristol, UK. (Now Penny Brohn Centre, Pill UK)
Women of Silence: Reconnecting with the Emotional Healing of Breast Cancer
Grace Gawler ISBN 9-780954-548001.
This book provides a practical and thoughtful approach to understanding the emotional consequences and responses women affected by breast cancer can experience.
It is book that answers questions that women often don’t get to ask, or even want to ask as they approach the psychological, emotional and spiritual challenges that this all too common disease creates. There are exercises to help in the process of rebuilding confidence and taking back emotional control.
Grace is a highly experienced therapist and teacher and makes no apologies for ‘saying it as it is’. This book will prove an invaluable asset to all therapists who want to really understand how to support their clients and their carers during and after the time of breast cancer.
Dr Ruth Sewell- Former Senior psycho-therapist at Penny Brohn Centre (Bristol Cancer Help Centre) – Pill Bristol -UK
2009 - Course Tutor: Diploma in the Study of Integrated Medicine, Integrated Health Trust, Bath UK.
What a wonderfully insightful book. Women of Silence is not just for women who are living with an illness, it is a book all women would benefit from reading. Grace’s insights, observations and very practical advice on reconnecting with our inner emotional self and effecting change from within thus transforming our lives can be applied to and used by any one of us, whether we are in a healing crisis or not. It is easy to read, moving and ultimately empowering.
Sylvia Scully Aroma-therapist and Massage Therapist-Brisbane
A Helping Hand - the Grace Gawler Approach:
This small booklet is power packed handbook of "how tos!" Easy to read...this book found me at a time when I needed to make crucial decisions.
The section on Grace's 3 stages of healing model was so helpful as well, her "pie chart" method for recording and reviewing issues has been a
tool that has made a huge contribution to my recovery. Elisa Thorton
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