Because I Can: Doing What I Can, With What I Have, Where I Am

by Janet Oberholtzer

In seconds, a family vacation became a nightmare when a horrific vehicle accident almost took marathon runner Janet Oberholtzer's life. It decimated her legs and shattered her pelvis. Doctors weren't sure she'd ever walk again, but her determination, along with her traditional Mennonite upbringing (almost Amish), helped her through the difficult physical recovery the first few months.
This was soon followed by a depressing, emotional and spiritual trauma, which surprised Janet and proved almost fatal as she struggled to come to grips with her new normal-pain, limitations and a deformed leg. This included the struggle of keeping her marriage together, fighting through anger and depression and liberating herself from physical limitations to run again. Why? Because she can.

Because I Can is not a Pollyanna story -- Janet still has disappointments and still asks questions. In spite of that, she's made a choice to live life to the fullest ... Doing what she can, with what she has, where she is.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational book by a woman who endured a terrible accident and worked to make a miracle out of it. The honesty is refreshing. As a nurse, it was interesting to follow her progress both physically and spiritually. Janet is the real deal. So glad I had a chance to read the book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Janet Oberholtzer was in a terrible accident and wasn't expected to live let alone come away with her legs. This is her memoir about the road to recovery. She explores her pain, depression, relationships and faith. I love how honest she is about her feelings. One of her biggest desires is to be able to run again, but almost all her doctors say she shouldn't try it and just accept the fact that at least she still has her legs. Her will to live, love and run is inspiring. I can relate to her in some ways, not because I've had a life-threatening accident, but because I too love to run and I've lived in PA and run races through Amish country. It was fun to hear about her races. I found myself wanting to sit down and talk to her about spiritual matters. I plan to write her an e-mail. I think we'd be good friends if we were neighbors. :)

[Martie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this inspiring true story. Even though, by the grace of God, I have never been injured nor suffered the way Janet did, I felt like I could relate so much to her emotional journey. It left me feeling grateful, and inspired to be and become so much more of Me, and what I am capable of. Thank you for the gift you have given to the world, Janet

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good true story book. Janet went through a great deal...

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome inspiring story!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and inspiring story about overcoming things we have no control over. I appreciated that she really shared her struggles throughout her healing, both mental, physical and spiritual.