Thin Places Reviews

Author Explores 'Thin Places' by Rhoda Fukushma
Pioneer Press Article Launched: 07/13/2007

"In 2002, Mary Treacy O'Keefe and her nine siblings experienced the death of their parents just three months apart. O'Keefe, co-founder of a nonprofit wellness resource center in West St. Paul, began to write about the "thin places" - spiritual experiences that connect us to God. While her book, "Thin Places: Where Faith Is Affirmed and Hope Dwells," centered on her family's experiences during this time, Treacy says "thin places" can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone..." (Read the full article)
Author Explores 'Thin Places' by Rhoda Fukushma
Pioneer Press Article Launched: 07/13/2007

"...We can all relate to some element in this tender book. The author is very honest in her ambivalence of feelings. She has shown, in Thin Places: Where Faith Is Affirmed and Hope Dwells, that humans are united in many ways, and that much good can come out of the most trying of circumstances. Families can grow together, instead of apart, when tough situations come into our lives..."
Five Star Rating from Amazon! (See more)

"Brilliantly authored by Mary Treacy O'Keefe, Thin Places: Where Faith Is Affirmed And Hope Dwells is a conceptual review of the author's grief for her parents' death and how she found with ease the "thin places" between her parents in heaven and herself in the midst of the everyday. Inspired and inspiring, Thin Places is very highly recommended reading, especially for those grieving the a passing of a loved one and seeking closure."
- Midwest Book Review, Reviewer's Choice April 2006

"...O'Keefe's Story is compelling, but the book is more than a story; it's a handbook for letting go of those we dearly love when it's time for us to say goodbye. Thin Places is filled with tips and tools, practical information to smooth what is perhaps the most challenging of times in any family..."
- Pam Keul, Turtle River Press (March- April 2006)

"...Written first for her siblings, Thin Places is an intensely personal testimony of daily practicing one's faith. As such it is authentic, sacred and irrefutable..." (Read more)
- Jean Travis-Odefey at ArmChair Interviews

"The book has hidden charms for residents of St. Paul as many of the landmarks that the author refers to will be familiar. Treacy O’Keefe also mentions everyone’s local favorite, Assumption’s pastor, Fr. Malone, and his welcome assistance as the family prepares for her fathers wake and funeral."
- Mary McFarland, Irish Gazette

Mary O’Keefe’s stories remind us all to stop, listen, be present, and be full of gratitude for life’s blessings, even in the midst of challenging times. She teaches us to pay attention to, watch for, and appreciate the times we feel a deep connection to the divine—those “thin places” where we behold God all around us and within us and where past, present, and future meet in one whole interconnected space where true peace resides.
—Alexa Umbreit, Pathways to Spirituality and Healing: Embracing Life and Each Other in the Face of a Serious Illness

"I was touched by Mary O’Keefe’s story about her family’s experience with the loss of her parents. She shares stories of the courage, strength, and wisdom with which her parents faced their mortality and how she and her siblings coped. She encourages readers to be open to what she calls “thin places” and to take comfort from that experience—a universal message that extends to people of all faiths."
—Nancy Goldstein, patient education program manager, Fairview-University Medical Center

"Mary O’Keefe shows us, by story after story after story, that thin places are not just for the few, but are available to give comfort and hope to everyone going through a painful life experience. May our hearts be open to receive this thin-place grace."
—Janet O. Hagberg, Real Power and The Critical Journey

"This book is a great leveler. Each of us has experienced, or eventually will experience, the death of a loved one. We never know how we will deal with that trial until we go through it. It helps so much to learn how others coped with similar situations. We can all relate to some element in this tender book. The author is very honest in her ambivalence of feelings. She has shown, in Thin Places: Where Faith Is Affirmed and Hope Dwells, that humans are united in many ways, and that much good can come out of the most trying of circumstances. Families can grow together, instead of apart, when tough situations come into our lives.

It is a book giving much hope to all of us. If we can cope with grace and dignity as we care for a dying parent, and then another one, we can get through anything that comes our way. We can become more aware of our spiritual core through such experiences, and we can reach out to others in their own hard times to provide support, understanding, and empathy. I did not want this book to end. Each chapter brought tears to my eyes and a warm feeling inside. Thanks for a beautiful memoir from a loving daughter to honor exemplary parents. Let's hope that we can each rise to the occasion and show the grace, love, and dignity that the Treacy family demonstrated when their parents slipped through the veil to eagerly await a joyful reunion with their devoted children someday."
- S. Potter

"After fifty years of marriage and faith, Bill and Terry Treacy died three months apart from one another. The loss simply devastated their ten children. But the siblings were able to find comfort in some inexplicable signs which assured them that their beloved parents were reunited in heaven, at peace, and still present in the lives of all those who grieved for them. Thin Places: Where Faith Is Affirmed And Hope Dwells by their daughter describes some of these signs and the realization that the ethereal veil between what we know of life here on earth and what we believe about the afterlife in heaven can become transparent at times, revealing loving messages of faith, hope, and grace to hearten us in our daily lives. Thin Places is a remarkable testament and very highly recommended reading for all those, whatever their faith, who suffer the loss of loved ones from their lives."
- Midwest Book Review

Awards:

2006: Thin Places was awarded Honorable Mention in the category of aging/death and dying by the national Independent Publishers Book Awards

October 2005: Received a Speaking of Women's Health Award sponsored by Medica work for role as co-founder and executive director of Well Within

June 2005: Received St. Catherine's Award from Alumnae Association, College of St. Catherine

1. Steps for Fostering Spiritual Growth within Families
2. Living Fully Questionnaire

Did you catch The New Medicine on PBS starting March 29? An interview with Mary is featured on The New Medicine web site as are interviews with Well Within patients.

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