Europe's Physician: The Various Life of Theodore de Mayerne Book

"Many times I've sat alone with my dogs and goats grazing around me on the high mountains. I'd look into the distance and could see so far. Seems I was looking on into eternity. I was always thinking of the things to come. The great Chaos that we all know is coming. I was trying to figure a way out. I could even feel the great dark clouds coming and settling around us. No matter how I figured in my simple mind, the only way I could see out was doing all the good I could by holding my hand out to every single person regardless of race or color'helping them over the rough places if I could make their way easier." ~ Jewel Babb
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This little biography / memoir describes the life of Jewel Babb, an anglo woman who grew up in South Texas, married a rancher, and refused to stay indoors cooking and washing dishes (though she demonstrated little aptitude for riding a horse). She simply would not tolerate a bifurcated life in which the men did X, Y, Z, and the women did E, F, and G. She wanted to roam free across the landscape, like the men were allowed to do. Later in her life, she and her husband purchased land near the Texas / Mexico border that housed several hot springs known for their therapeutic qualities. This is not why they bought the land ' in fact, they bought the land in spite of that fact ' but Jewel renovated the hotel and the bathhouses and allowed people to come and soak, to refresh themselves and simply try to feel better. Over the years, her healing practice developed gradually and naturally. By reaching out to others from a place of helping and compassion, her abilities continued to increase. In her later years, she was able to use not just touch, but mental projection, soul connection, divine spirit (?) to heal people who were not even in her presence. Yet, her long life was plagued with financial struggle. This is a lovely and insightful glimpse into the life of an amazing woman who placed herself in the service of others. I finished the book feeling both awed by her work and sad she did not experience more comfort in her generous life.