The Cost of Living by Emily Maloney

Have you ever read a book that made you feel like someone really understood what you’ve been through?  Emily Maloney did just that in her book/essay collection called The Cost of Living.  It was like she was saying: I see you; I understand; It’s not your fault, and You will survive and thrive.  The essays read like a book that just isn’t in chronological order.  Emily survived a suicide attempt at the age of 19, but the medical costs followed her for 10 years. The costs were more than just money but also socially, career-wise, familial relations, and personal worth. I’ve dealt with 3 family members' suicide, luckily 2 survived.  The issue of the medications making depression worse is so true.  I also had to deal with people not being allowed to spend the night at your house or come over.  The looks from neighbors as they turned and hurried into their homes.  Then there are the calls from collection agencies.  On the other hand, I also had similar medical experiences as Emily because I have a hereditary disease which I was diagnosed with at 40.  I can’t imagine adding up all the costs of medications like she did.  I also worked in health care as a billing clerk and coder.  Then I was a medical malpractice attorney.  We’ve had so many similar experiences.  She writes without whining, complaining, or feeling sorry for herself.   I think that’s why I love her writing.   She has such a clean and clear conscience.  Cost of Living by Emily Maloney taught me to forge ahead one pill at a time, one doctor visit at a time, one job at a time, one payment at a time, one person at a time.  She did it.  I can do it.  And you can do it too.  

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