PROVO — Ann Romney spoke about her new book, “In This Together: My Story,” Thursday evening at BYU. The wife of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney released her book Tuesday and described it as a “dedication for people who are suffering.”
Romney was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998. Her book goes into great detail about how faith transformed her both physically and spiritually.
She told those in attendance she did not want to hold back anything when writing this book.
“I wanted to share what it really feels like to be in despair,” Romney said. “I wanted people to know that I had been there.”
Ann Madsen, professor of ancient scripture at BYU and a friend to Romney, said in her opening remarks the book is not just for people who are ill.
“(Romney’s book) is for people like me,” Madsen said. “It’s for all of us.”
Romney said "In This Together" is about hope and encouragement. On Thursday, she emphasized the healing process and how she manages her disease. She explained the key is finding something to love and be passionate about. Romney found her passion in horses.
Horseback riding was healing, but it also taught Romney gospel principles. Riding horses ultimately became a parable for her.
Romney said that when the horse is obedient and submits to the subtle signals of the rider, harmony ensues. She compared this to her relationship with God, saying she needed to trust in the “outside rein” and give up everything else.
Romney went on to describe how she soon took her horseback riding to the next level and began competing. This taught her that failure could actually be a good thing.
“I was participating again in life. I was taking risks,” Romney said. “I was doing awful at it, but I was so joyful.”
In her closing remarks, Romney stated that multiple sclerosis was “an unwelcome visitor” but the “best teacher” she has ever had because it led her to aligning herself with the Lord and doing his will.
Proceeds from the sale of “In This Together" will benefit the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Email: lpeterson@deseretnews.com