Stumbling Toward the Buddha

Dawn Downey confronts the ways in which spirituality intertwines with daily living. Spirit allows no turning away, but offers its gifts when the author stares straight into the messiness of just getting along. While caring for her terminally ill mother she finds that she can bear the grief, and it fuels a desire to serve others as a hospice volunteer. Conversations with siblings reveal that what they grew up with was abuse—not corporal punishment. The revelations lead her through shock, anger, and helplessness, but she ends up at peace with a past that cannot be changed. Her spiritual journey leaves her with a paradox. Because life is messy at every turn, peace is available at every turn.