In the Blink of an Eye: The Reed and Rob Nixon Story

by Sheryl Brown Nixon

On April 4, 1995, four of Sheryl Nixon's six children were involved in a horrible accident. Two of her sons were seriously injured, hospitalized for three weeks, and then placed in a rehabilitation facility for five months. While trying to be a mother to two disabled sons in the hospital and rehab she still needed to be a mother to two traumatized children at home. With the support of her husband, family, community, and friends, Sheryl began learning how to cope with extremely difficult circumstances through her faith in God, taking one day at a time, and sometimes only one minute at a time. When her sons returned home, still needing constant care, she had to deal with many of life's uncertainties. She felt blessed to have her sons survive the accident, but could she keep them both alive at home with no medical experience herself and only the help of some home medical personnel with limited training and experience? Would they survive? Let Sheryl take you with her as she experiences the trials and the triumphs, the set-backs and progress, the difficult yet rewarding journey of helping her family unite and return to some sort of normalcy.
Sheryl Brown Nixon is a professional singer/songwriter who toured with the USO singing to the servicemen and women in Vietnam and Europe. Until the accident in 1995 that injured two of her sons, she was self-employed providing advertising media through her voice. She was also a vocal instructor for many years. As a mother of six children and grandmother of fifteen, Sheryl has always been active in community and church service. She currently lives with her husband, Mark, in Northborough, Massachusetts.

318 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2011

Reviews

[Mackay Oakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book I’ve read this year. Sheryl Nixon does a great job at helping you understand the difficulty and frustration while appreciating the gratitude and triumph experienced by Reed and Rob.

[Darleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story that takes the reader on the real and raw journey of devastating, unexpected circumstances, that are lived through, endured, and eventually thrive. A story of commitment to life, the relationships in it, and living it; no matter what.

[Travis Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing faith, determination, patience and will to succeed. Thank you for writing this book about an incredible family.

[Tobinsfavorite · Rating 4 out of 5]

(What, no picture?)

Since I know the author, I bought this book right away, but I didn't read it right away. Frankly, I was worried that it might be uncomfortably personal, or worse, it might wallow. (Not that I find my friend that way at all, it is more that there's a precedent for That Kind of Book.) I need not have worried at all.

The book is told with a necessary degree of personal detail without seeming invasive, which, given some of the subject matter, is quite a feat. As I only met the family years after the accident, a lot of the story was new to me, and I did learn a lot and, more so, realize a lot of what probably should be obvious about a life so different from what most of us expect day to day.

More than that, the emotions and experiences told are clear and touching with no trace of maudlinism or expectation of pity. It is not a perfect book, but it is well worth one's time.

[Rachael Baggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am acquainted with one of Mrs. Nixon's sons. He told me about his two older brothers, Reed and Rob, and their incredible story as told by their mom. On their way home from a youth activity, four of the Nixon children were involved in a car accident, leaving the oldest boys paralyzed--one from the neck down and one from the upper chest down. It's incredible to think of dealing with one quadrapalegic--but two?! Through their faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, and their daily diligence, this story shows the perseverance of overcoming extreme trials and burdens. It was uplifting and eye-opening to learn what the challenges are for those faced with paralysis. It was also nice to see the optimism that kept this family going. Definitely recommended!

[Rebecca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story of courage, faith, and fortitude. Sheryl Nixon tells the story of her sons' car accident and health challenges since with honesty and hope. I love that she's added lyrics and verses throughout the book since music is an outlet for her, and way to express her feelings.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheryl did such an amazing job of capturing the emotions and what her life was like at a very difficult time. Her boys are amazing as well as the whole family. Way to go Sheryl.