VIEW from the BEDPAN

is a lively and spirited true story about a 43-year old woman, Beverley June Richmond, who two years after open-heart surgery is seriously injured when she is run over by a truck ~ her body going one way, her black pumps the other.

In addition to life-threatening physical injuries, her mind and spirit are tested by three years of rehabilitation and more surgery, and by five years of adjusting to her new life with brain injury. Although raw emotions often surface, overall she is able to keep an inquisitive, optimistic outlook and a sense of humour.

"The only way to survive such an ordeal is to see the humour in it, no matter how hard it is to find," writes Richmond.

This is her story: how she survives her accident and recovery, what she sees and experiences in the hospital, and what she learns about herself and others. Included are many helpful tips, healing strategies, and insights.

Some readers will compare their own experiences as well as relate to these events and messages -motivational, yet comical at times -- as they unfold. Others will learm about the consequences of brain injury and hospitalization from a patient's perspective, especially the many challenges and victories of one survivor.

View from the Bedpan was a nominee for the Stephen Leacock Award for using humour to help tell a difficult story, and is now in second printing.

What others say about...

View from the Bedpan

“I believe every survivor should read this book … View from the Bedpan is an excellent book… Anyone who reads it would understand what having a brain injury is all about.”
~ London survivor

“… more than once I found myself laughing out loud at an amusing story. I also found myself in tears…. Thank you for writing this book. I hope it becomes required reading for all ABI caregivers, rehab educators, and nurses.”
~ Peterborough survivor

"Your book was such an inspiration to myself and my family. It let me know that I'm not alone in dealing with brain injury
symptoms and it assisted my family in knowing what I deal with on a daily basis."
~ Kelowna, British Columbia, survivor

“Every nurse should read it!”
~ Nurse, Belleville General Hospital

"I enjoyed it immensely. It was in parts humorous, in parts touching, in parts informative, and always engaging…. Your book speaks to the intellect…. [It] also spoke to my emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I marveled. In short, I think that it is a grabber. It is a book
that many can benefit from reading.”
~Executive Director, Ontario Brain Injury Association

"Your book is part of our library collection for ABI survivors, current clients, and families. It is very well received. Congratulations. We are very proud to have it...."
~ Coordinaior, ABI Rehab Program. Parkwood Hospital

"Your book causes readers to think, wonder, gasp, marvel and be thankful. .. The behaviours, philosophies and truths discussed will, when applied, improve every aspect of our lives."
~ Manager Library Services, County of Lennox & Addington

“Richmond’s well-written book draws the reader into a world that explores it all…. At times graphic, and always gripping, Richmond’s candid look at hospitalization and healing is a definite page-turner.”
~Belleville Intelligencer

Beverley Richmond was born and raised in Toronto. There she worked in administration, sales, publishing, and promotion. She moved to the Quinte area in 1990 and began work at the Intelligencer where she stayed until a near-fatal accident in December 1994 forced her into retirement.

Beverley has been involved in corporate communications and writing in varying degrees throughout her career, including as an editor of association and employee newsletters, an advertising copywriter, and a columnist for two Metroland newspapers.

She now enjoys writing as a hobby. She has had articles published and several short stories appearing in the Canadian Authors Association Wordscape anthologies. View from the Bedpan is her first book. It was a nominee for the 2003 Leacock award for humour and is now in second printing.

Beverley has raised awareness of brain injury through the media promotion of her book. She has also performed readings and spoken at libraries, bookstores, and retirement homes, and to various groups including brain injury associations, writers groups, health associations, hospital and church auxiliaries, service clubs, professional associations, nursing groups and nursing students.

Beverley is a member of the Quinte Literary Guild, Stephen Leacock Association, Quinte Arts Council, and Canadian Authors Association, as well as Brain Injury Association Quinte District and Ontario Brain Injury Association.

Beverley writes from her Victorian farmhouse in Prince Edward County.