Dying to Be Young: From Botox to Botulism

Dr. Eric Kaplan
Nightengale Press (2006)
ISBN 1933449403
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/06)

In “Dying to Be Young,” Dr. Eric Kaplan tells the story of the tragedy that he and his wife went through after they almost died while going through a treatment to look young. They received an incredibly toxic dose of botulism when they thought they were getting Botox injections. In their efforts to smooth out a few lines, they became trapped inside their bodies unable to move, breathe, see, or speak. After receiving the faulty injections, both Dr. Kaplan and his wife began experiencing flu like symptoms and from there everything went downhill. They became paralyzed and were unable to communicate to anyone. Dr. Kaplan could hear everything that was being said but could not respond. They were not expected to live.

During this inconceivable experience, Dr. Kaplan went within himself. He encountered relatives that had passed over and who were able to communicate a great deal of wisdom to him. While Dr. Kaplan was dying, he learned more about living. He also discovered how wonderful his friends and family were. They rallied to his and his wife’s side and were totally there for them. Dr. Kaplan’s faith during this challenging time was incredible.

I am so sorry that this couple had to endure such a horrific experience. They lived one of my worst nightmares--to be alive but trapped in my own body. Dr. Kaplan knew that to survive he needed to journey within. He mentioned that since he could no longer look at a mirror he had to learn to look inside himself. From each relative that visited him spiritually, he was able to pick up a great deal of insight about what life should be about.
One thing that he learned that we all need to accept is that we should accept ourselves as God created us. Dr. Kaplan’s Uncle Herb, in angel form, told him, “When you alter your appearance, you alter the way people perceive you…Everyone is unique in appearance. You must love yourself for who you are, not how you look. If you emanate love, then that is what people will see in you.” I loved these words. No matter what we do to ourselves, beauty will fade in time. However, that special glow which a person carries, and who radiates self love, represents a true beauty that will never fade.

I am so grateful to Dr. Kaplan for sharing his story in “Dying to be Young.” I am approaching my forties and he taught me some very valuable lessons that will affect how I decide to spend them. He taught me to appreciate what I have, including the little things that we all take for granted like being able to smile. He also taught me to work more on my inner beauty and love for myself. I think this will actually make me feel younger. He tells us that God gave us the ability to be responsible for ourselves, “When you accept responsibility for your life and your actions, you will learn to harness the power of the universe."

Make comment on weblog