Sometimes, even on the darkest days, when we can’t see a path forward, there are points of light. These came in the form of Dr. Dylan Shanahan and Kimberly Warner.
Dylan reached into the depths of his soul and with sheer determination, he showed us the very best of humanity. I imagine a communication that went like this~
“Kimberly , I want to tell my story. If I could change the life of even just one person , I need to climb a mountain to do it.”
And I’m certain Kimberly replied,
“ which one? “.
Congratulations for reaching the top together. There is a whole world of us down below, just waiting to meet you…
You’ve done it again Lor, you seem to tap into a bottomless well whenever you share over here, waters infused with kindness, depth and compassion, waters that ultimately tap into my own and come trickling down my face in the form of tears. Thank you for that giant heart of yours. High-fiving you at the summit.
Kimberly, thank you so much for sharing this. I look forward to reading Dylan's book as it promises to be a shining light. You are doing very important work bringing things like this into the world.
Thank you for saying so Donna. I feel the importance too, though sometimes it’s so hard to see that validated through the mainstream channels. Sharing this over here has been such reminder that gracious, intelligent, thoughtful humans exist… and seems especially so over here on substack!
Congratulations Dylan & Kimberly... Dylan you are a marvel of insight, courage, and resilience. What you have given the world in authoring this memoir is a means of honoring our complex and varied narratives with a clear eye and an open heart. You are both such a gift to all of us. The fix is indeed in the break and we are broken in all the right ways. Deepest gratitude. 💜
Gah, you’ve said it all Alisa! I know it comes from your own school of hard knocks too, and wow have those blows turned you into a ball of radiance. In a few years, you may just turn into earth’s second sun. I love what you say about how writing and sharing his story has been a way to honor the narrative, that’s such an important thing to remember when the knotted mess of our storylines feel all too heavy. Something about being able to step back and see that story, all its shapes and patterns, helps us hold it in a new light, and like you said, “with a clear eye and open heart.” Cheers to you and thank you thank you for sharing this in your latest post. You made us marvelous!!!!
Oh Kimberly! As inspiring as Dylan’s story will be to so many people, I think one of the most beautiful aspects of all of this is that you were able to give the story back to *him*! The fact that he got to savor his own story told back to him—even if it weren’t 100% accurate or perfect—I just think that’s the most beautiful gift you could ever give someone. To be seen like that. To have one’s life be valued. What could be more meaningful than that? What Peace!❤️
You’re so dear to say Ann, it has truly been such an honor. One of the benefits I suppose of not being much of a strategist with my creativity, when an opportunity arises, I like to just jump in and figure it out while I’m in it. And this process has very much been that! And a pure joy throughout.
You do the most important and, I’m sure, heartbreakingly inspiring work Kimberly… Dylan’s book should be essential reading. I will order it tonight with thanks to both of you miracles of human life for your endless faith 🙏🏽xx
I sure do love this work… call me crazy but it’s more uplifting than heartbreaking, always has been. Something about getting to speak directly to the essence of humans when all has been stripped away endlessly restores my faith in humanity. Thank you for purchasing a copy and bringing Dylan’s powerful life story into your heart.
Eyes welling up over the Forward you've written, Kimberly.
THIS' Like a kōan, Dylan’s life invites us to simply observe, marvel at its contrast, and consider its teaching. His memoir asks that we drop the parts that want tidy narratives with pain-free understanding, and instead honor our stories with a contemplative heart where doubt and clarity, failure and success, fear and love exist simultaneously.'
Bravo to you, Dylan, his family and everyone involved. I shall read this slowly to absorb its wisdom and metabolise the insights in all its messy humanity.
Thank you for being here Victoria, Dylan’s wisdom will speak to many, no doubt the chronic illness community and care teams, but his message is quite universal so I’m hoping he’ll reach into other thought-leader communities as well.
Really looking forward to reading the book Kimberly. Bravo to you and especially Dylan for sharing his life and message with us. What a legacy and gift to leave behind.
Thank you so much for this inspiring essay, Kimberly. I am reminded of the rhetorical quip, “What a shame to do nothing because we can’t do everything!” Not to detract from Dylan’s humanity in any way, a quite remarkable person. Empowering to realize we can practice agency under unimaginable states of being.
Isn’t it though? Dylan has said many times throughout this process that he’s always wanted to know and experience truth, and living with ALS has just amplified and concentrated the lessons. Thank you for your reflections and heartfelt response.
So much noise in the world and Dylan’s story strips all that away and shows us what really matters. Your’re so right, we need more stories like this today, and I bet they’re happening everywhere.
This has long been my feeling / theory. That we hear more about what’s going wrong and falling apart than about stories of presence, compassion and transcendence doesn’t mean they’re not out there. Thank you for your part in helping to tell them. It feeds the soul.
I anticipate this book will offer a reflective exploration, reminding us of life's fleeting nature and our singular opportunity to live it - at least in the certainty we possess. Can't wait to read it!
Absolutely Gino, just 8 years ago, Dylan was finishing up his 6th year of medical school and “beginning his life.” Never did he dream it would take such a turn, though true to his ultimate mission, to know truth and live from that place, he never let the ALS steer him off his path.
This book reminds me of "When Breath Becomes Air"; both seem to share a similar, heart-wrenching story of the poignant exploration of life and mortality.
Sometimes, even on the darkest days, when we can’t see a path forward, there are points of light. These came in the form of Dr. Dylan Shanahan and Kimberly Warner.
Dylan reached into the depths of his soul and with sheer determination, he showed us the very best of humanity. I imagine a communication that went like this~
“Kimberly , I want to tell my story. If I could change the life of even just one person , I need to climb a mountain to do it.”
And I’m certain Kimberly replied,
“ which one? “.
Congratulations for reaching the top together. There is a whole world of us down below, just waiting to meet you…
You’ve done it again Lor, you seem to tap into a bottomless well whenever you share over here, waters infused with kindness, depth and compassion, waters that ultimately tap into my own and come trickling down my face in the form of tears. Thank you for that giant heart of yours. High-fiving you at the summit.
Kimberly, thank you so much for sharing this. I look forward to reading Dylan's book as it promises to be a shining light. You are doing very important work bringing things like this into the world.
Thank you for saying so Donna. I feel the importance too, though sometimes it’s so hard to see that validated through the mainstream channels. Sharing this over here has been such reminder that gracious, intelligent, thoughtful humans exist… and seems especially so over here on substack!
Yes, I feel so fortunate to have somehow landed here when I did.
Me too, amazing humans
Congratulations Dylan & Kimberly... Dylan you are a marvel of insight, courage, and resilience. What you have given the world in authoring this memoir is a means of honoring our complex and varied narratives with a clear eye and an open heart. You are both such a gift to all of us. The fix is indeed in the break and we are broken in all the right ways. Deepest gratitude. 💜
Gah, you’ve said it all Alisa! I know it comes from your own school of hard knocks too, and wow have those blows turned you into a ball of radiance. In a few years, you may just turn into earth’s second sun. I love what you say about how writing and sharing his story has been a way to honor the narrative, that’s such an important thing to remember when the knotted mess of our storylines feel all too heavy. Something about being able to step back and see that story, all its shapes and patterns, helps us hold it in a new light, and like you said, “with a clear eye and open heart.” Cheers to you and thank you thank you for sharing this in your latest post. You made us marvelous!!!!
Oh Kimberly! As inspiring as Dylan’s story will be to so many people, I think one of the most beautiful aspects of all of this is that you were able to give the story back to *him*! The fact that he got to savor his own story told back to him—even if it weren’t 100% accurate or perfect—I just think that’s the most beautiful gift you could ever give someone. To be seen like that. To have one’s life be valued. What could be more meaningful than that? What Peace!❤️
You’re so dear to say Ann, it has truly been such an honor. One of the benefits I suppose of not being much of a strategist with my creativity, when an opportunity arises, I like to just jump in and figure it out while I’m in it. And this process has very much been that! And a pure joy throughout.
Yes Ann
Such a beautiful seeing immense value.
I agree with this recognition.
I'm so happy to see Dylan's book project come to fruition. 🩷💛🧡
Me too Troy! Me too!
I am heading right over to buy this book!
So wonderful to hear, thank you Linda. 🙏
You do the most important and, I’m sure, heartbreakingly inspiring work Kimberly… Dylan’s book should be essential reading. I will order it tonight with thanks to both of you miracles of human life for your endless faith 🙏🏽xx
I sure do love this work… call me crazy but it’s more uplifting than heartbreaking, always has been. Something about getting to speak directly to the essence of humans when all has been stripped away endlessly restores my faith in humanity. Thank you for purchasing a copy and bringing Dylan’s powerful life story into your heart.
Looking forward to reading this, Kimberly. Thank you for honoring his life and us by giving us this gift.
Thank you Dawn, I’m so glad you’re getting the book and inviting Dylan’s story into your heart.
Eyes welling up over the Forward you've written, Kimberly.
THIS' Like a kōan, Dylan’s life invites us to simply observe, marvel at its contrast, and consider its teaching. His memoir asks that we drop the parts that want tidy narratives with pain-free understanding, and instead honor our stories with a contemplative heart where doubt and clarity, failure and success, fear and love exist simultaneously.'
Bravo to you, Dylan, his family and everyone involved. I shall read this slowly to absorb its wisdom and metabolise the insights in all its messy humanity.
Thank you for being here Victoria, Dylan’s wisdom will speak to many, no doubt the chronic illness community and care teams, but his message is quite universal so I’m hoping he’ll reach into other thought-leader communities as well.
Really looking forward to reading the book Kimberly. Bravo to you and especially Dylan for sharing his life and message with us. What a legacy and gift to leave behind.
The strength of some people astounds me. Thank you for sharing this, I look forward to reading it.
Yes astounding
Thank you so much for this inspiring essay, Kimberly. I am reminded of the rhetorical quip, “What a shame to do nothing because we can’t do everything!” Not to detract from Dylan’s humanity in any way, a quite remarkable person. Empowering to realize we can practice agency under unimaginable states of being.
Many blessings for you and your efforts.
Isn’t it though? Dylan has said many times throughout this process that he’s always wanted to know and experience truth, and living with ALS has just amplified and concentrated the lessons. Thank you for your reflections and heartfelt response.
Powerful truth
What a gift, Kimberly! This is just the wisdom we need especially now.
So much noise in the world and Dylan’s story strips all that away and shows us what really matters. Your’re so right, we need more stories like this today, and I bet they’re happening everywhere.
This has long been my feeling / theory. That we hear more about what’s going wrong and falling apart than about stories of presence, compassion and transcendence doesn’t mean they’re not out there. Thank you for your part in helping to tell them. It feeds the soul.
I anticipate this book will offer a reflective exploration, reminding us of life's fleeting nature and our singular opportunity to live it - at least in the certainty we possess. Can't wait to read it!
Absolutely Gino, just 8 years ago, Dylan was finishing up his 6th year of medical school and “beginning his life.” Never did he dream it would take such a turn, though true to his ultimate mission, to know truth and live from that place, he never let the ALS steer him off his path.
This book reminds me of "When Breath Becomes Air"; both seem to share a similar, heart-wrenching story of the poignant exploration of life and mortality.
Wow
Excellent work great job
You are a miracle. So is Dylan. Bless you, my love !