Elizabeth Schuster

In December 1997, when the idea for this book was in its infancy, I saw Elizabeth Schuster s name and address on a list of new subscribers to an MCS newsletter. The listing caught my eye because she lives near my mother. Out of the blue I called Elizabeth to ask if I could interview her when I came to spend the holidays with my mother. She was the first person interviewed for this project, and I have since marveled at that good fortune. I found Elizabeth to be a woman of wonderful peace and grace. Hearing her story reconfirmed my belief in the healing power of stories, and strengthened my resolve to see this project to completion. 

In the narrative that follows, Curt Schuster articulates some of the issues faced by spouses, and his style of coping. Although it wasn t planned, his wife Elizabeth was the first person interviewed for this collection and he was the last. In my opinion, I couldn t have chosen more appropriate bookends. ... 

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