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Unshattered: Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life
On June 10, 2008, Carol Decker walked through the hospital doors a healthy woman with flu-like symptoms and early labor contractions. Three months later, she returned home a blind, triple-amputee struggling to bond with a daughter she would never see.
Unshattered: Choosing a Beautiful Life after Unspeakable Tragedy recounts Carol's fight for survival against sepsis and its life-shattering complications. From excruciating skin grafts to learning how to function in daily life without lower legs, a left hand, and her sight, Carol takes us on a personal and raw, yet inspiring journey. She travels through the darkness of trauma, anxiety, and depression to arrive, literally, at the peak of a mountain with a heart full of gratitude and love. More than a story of triumph over tragedy, the book offers inspiring life-lessons and insights which can help readers to do more than endure unimaginable pain and darkness in their own lives. This book can give them the perspective and strength to pick up the pieces of their own tragedies and choose a life of healing, purpose, and joy--a beautiful life.
Lessons learned:
There is always hope, even if it sometimes feels small and hard to find.
Even if you are the most capable person, you can't do this life alone. We all need a support system. It is okay to ask for help.
Happiness takes work. It doesn't just happen.
The human spirit is able to endure and withstand great adversity.
Even the smallest broken pieces of a life can be put back together.
Unshattered: Choosing a Beautiful Life after Unspeakable Tragedy recounts Carol's fight for survival against sepsis and its life-shattering complications. From excruciating skin grafts to learning how to function in daily life without lower legs, a left hand, and her sight, Carol takes us on a personal and raw, yet inspiring journey. She travels through the darkness of trauma, anxiety, and depression to arrive, literally, at the peak of a mountain with a heart full of gratitude and love. More than a story of triumph over tragedy, the book offers inspiring life-lessons and insights which can help readers to do more than endure unimaginable pain and darkness in their own lives. This book can give them the perspective and strength to pick up the pieces of their own tragedies and choose a life of healing, purpose, and joy--a beautiful life.
Lessons learned:
There is always hope, even if it sometimes feels small and hard to find.
Even if you are the most capable person, you can't do this life alone. We all need a support system. It is okay to ask for help.
Happiness takes work. It doesn't just happen.
The human spirit is able to endure and withstand great adversity.
Even the smallest broken pieces of a life can be put back together.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2018
65 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 28, 2018
"Bad things happen to good people". Truthfully, I could not wrap my head around all that happened to Carol Decker in a matter of minutes. Unknowingly, she goes to the hospital at 33 weeks (I think) in labor. Not realizing she has sepsis, life turns bittersweet for her in a matter of minutes. "This was a storm that couldn't be stopped." As she kisses her husband as they rush her into an emergency C-section, this is the last time she sees him with her own eyes.
I liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. For example: "There will be key moments for you that may change the course of your life in an instant." Gerald Causse
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." Joseph Campbell
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou
Truly, I cannot wrap my head around the challenges that this woman faced. She didn't return home for three long months and then an amputee of three limbs: two feet and her left hand. As if that were not overwhelming, she also had endured and would continue to suffer from excruciating skin graphs and blindness.
Her story is told honestly. She shares her doubts, fears, pain, loneliness, negativity and despair. I appreciated her honesty. Life was tough. She would never see her baby. The lists of what she could not do were unfathomable.
Could I have been this strong? I will never know, but her fortitude is heroic and her ultimate positive outlook and outreach commendable.
I thought about all of her caregivers. Her husband is an incredible human being. How did her mother deal with helping with all of Carol's emotional plus physical needs? This book made my personal challenges seem trivial.
We do need one another. My humble take-away from this book was a commitment to reach out. I know that I am surrounded by people in need. Their trials may not be as obvious as Carol Decker's, but they are nevertheless real. May I be sensitive and willing to meaningfully care.
I liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. For example: "There will be key moments for you that may change the course of your life in an instant." Gerald Causse
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." Joseph Campbell
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou
Truly, I cannot wrap my head around the challenges that this woman faced. She didn't return home for three long months and then an amputee of three limbs: two feet and her left hand. As if that were not overwhelming, she also had endured and would continue to suffer from excruciating skin graphs and blindness.
Her story is told honestly. She shares her doubts, fears, pain, loneliness, negativity and despair. I appreciated her honesty. Life was tough. She would never see her baby. The lists of what she could not do were unfathomable.
Could I have been this strong? I will never know, but her fortitude is heroic and her ultimate positive outlook and outreach commendable.
I thought about all of her caregivers. Her husband is an incredible human being. How did her mother deal with helping with all of Carol's emotional plus physical needs? This book made my personal challenges seem trivial.
We do need one another. My humble take-away from this book was a commitment to reach out. I know that I am surrounded by people in need. Their trials may not be as obvious as Carol Decker's, but they are nevertheless real. May I be sensitive and willing to meaningfully care.
April 22, 2018
I just finished this book and I'm struggling to find words to express my thoughts. I cannot imagine going through what Carol Decker did with the optimism and drive that she did and has shown. I have my own trials, and while they are not on the same level as Carols, they still matter. She uses her experiences to help us see that no matter what we're experiencing we can find a way to overcome it. She said that she received a second chance...I need to take advantage of my first chance because not everyone gets a second.
December 2, 2020
This is one of the most inspirational memoirs I’ve ever read. As one reviewer stated, it is sad in places, very sad. And her recovery is tough to read about. But Carol Decker and her husband are amazing people who helped me see life through a cleaner lens. For that reason, I sincerely hope you pick up this book. It can potentially change your life.
This heart-wrenching story takes you on a journey of shock, pain, faith, hope, love, perseverance, and much more. What you will discover is the story of an incredible woman who ended up choosing life and living.
Can you imagine being pregnant, feeling very ill, ending up in the hospital, and then finding yourself fighting for your life? There are an emergency C-section and a serious battle against sepsis. And though she wins her life she loses much of her old self. She is left blind and parts of her limbs have had to be amputated.
This inspirational story inspires all of us to take the higher road when things beyond our control occur.
What Concerned Me
I definitely wanted husband Scott Decker’s thoughts included, but I would have liked them to have been at the back of the book rather than the introduction. It felt like he shared too much in advance.
Okay, I’m a person who rarely reads the book blurbs since I want it all to be a surprise, so this could be a very personal concern.
What I Liked Most
This is one of the most inspirational books I’ve read. Trust me, this woman’s story will inspire you to be a better you. I would suggest you check out her website to see what’s going on with her today.
This heart-wrenching story takes you on a journey of shock, pain, faith, hope, love, perseverance, and much more. What you will discover is the story of an incredible woman who ended up choosing life and living.
Can you imagine being pregnant, feeling very ill, ending up in the hospital, and then finding yourself fighting for your life? There are an emergency C-section and a serious battle against sepsis. And though she wins her life she loses much of her old self. She is left blind and parts of her limbs have had to be amputated.
This inspirational story inspires all of us to take the higher road when things beyond our control occur.
What Concerned Me
I definitely wanted husband Scott Decker’s thoughts included, but I would have liked them to have been at the back of the book rather than the introduction. It felt like he shared too much in advance.
Okay, I’m a person who rarely reads the book blurbs since I want it all to be a surprise, so this could be a very personal concern.
What I Liked Most
This is one of the most inspirational books I’ve read. Trust me, this woman’s story will inspire you to be a better you. I would suggest you check out her website to see what’s going on with her today.
June 29, 2018
Occasionally I love to pick up books about real people who have endured intense hardships and persevered, overcome. It's always amazing to me how resilient the human spirit can be. Reading books like this one restores my faith in humanity. There really are so many good people out there, working hard to help other people and extending kindness in times of trouble. Mostly it helps me put life back into perspective and remember the things that are most important. I never want to take the good things and blessings in my life for granted.
Obviously, Carol Decker is a miracle. She survived something few people do. I am in awe of her persistence and how she has transformed something horrible into something beautiful. Now she shares what she has learned with others and many lives are blessed by her courage and determination. I am glad I picked this book up. I feel better for reading it and that's one of the great things about books. They fill so many different roles in life. Sometimes I read to escape and be entertained, sometimes I read to learn something new. Sometimes I read to be inspired by the triumphs of other people and I always read with the hopes of being a better person when I'm done. Mission accomplished here.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Obviously, Carol Decker is a miracle. She survived something few people do. I am in awe of her persistence and how she has transformed something horrible into something beautiful. Now she shares what she has learned with others and many lives are blessed by her courage and determination. I am glad I picked this book up. I feel better for reading it and that's one of the great things about books. They fill so many different roles in life. Sometimes I read to escape and be entertained, sometimes I read to learn something new. Sometimes I read to be inspired by the triumphs of other people and I always read with the hopes of being a better person when I'm done. Mission accomplished here.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2018
It's been quite some while but once upon a time I lived in Enumclaw, WA and though I doubt they would remember me I knew the Decker family and in the social media saturated world we now live in had heard a little of this story. I was interested in reading Unshattered but also fearful I would either be disappointed in the writing or find the story, eh, perhaps too sad or too over the top with falsely perky optimism. I am happy to report that I found the book very inspiring. Decker and Nash have done a fine job of telling a personal, honest, and uplifting story without schmaltz or self pity or the dreaded false perkiness.
It is nearly impossible to imagine what Carol has undergone, triple amput.ation, blindness, how do you come back from that? I don't know that you do but I do know that we can take what we need from the past and move forward into an uncertain future towards a life of altered expectations but still joyful and fulfilling. Ten years on I think we can clearly see that Carol and her family have done exactly that.
I've already loaned my copy on before jotting down the mental notes I'd made (folding down the bottom corners while reading before bed because I'm too lazy to go fetch a pencil) but one of my favorite take aways was something like this - and you will have heard something similar before but it bears repeating - if we are looking back, trying to live in the past, and I will ad for whatever reason, refusing or unable to set aside grieving for what we have lost or if we are frozen as we look to what comes next, living in fear of what the future holds and unable to take any steps forward then we are missing the right now moments, sad, painful, hopeful, joyful, you will miss it all until you can accept and, gah, sometimes I hate this word, mindfully accept, perhaps even embrace now. No future exists without our past, no future exists without dreams and goals but we can only experience the present, lacking a Time Spinner or rips in the Time Space Continuum, there really is no other option but to be in the present. We can only plan for the future if we paying attention to the now.
If you are curious, yes, Enucmclaw is an awesome place. The same people who brought Carol and her family meals for two years, brought them to me for two months many years ago; my 28 year old daughter and I are here today in part because of their kindness and generosity. If you want a little more from Scott or a few more details I suggest tracking down his blog. I have not read even close to all the entries but did go back and fill in a few holes by reading the first few months worth of posts.
Well done and best wishes to the Decker family.
It is nearly impossible to imagine what Carol has undergone, triple amput.ation, blindness, how do you come back from that? I don't know that you do but I do know that we can take what we need from the past and move forward into an uncertain future towards a life of altered expectations but still joyful and fulfilling. Ten years on I think we can clearly see that Carol and her family have done exactly that.
I've already loaned my copy on before jotting down the mental notes I'd made (folding down the bottom corners while reading before bed because I'm too lazy to go fetch a pencil) but one of my favorite take aways was something like this - and you will have heard something similar before but it bears repeating - if we are looking back, trying to live in the past, and I will ad for whatever reason, refusing or unable to set aside grieving for what we have lost or if we are frozen as we look to what comes next, living in fear of what the future holds and unable to take any steps forward then we are missing the right now moments, sad, painful, hopeful, joyful, you will miss it all until you can accept and, gah, sometimes I hate this word, mindfully accept, perhaps even embrace now. No future exists without our past, no future exists without dreams and goals but we can only experience the present, lacking a Time Spinner or rips in the Time Space Continuum, there really is no other option but to be in the present. We can only plan for the future if we paying attention to the now.
If you are curious, yes, Enucmclaw is an awesome place. The same people who brought Carol and her family meals for two years, brought them to me for two months many years ago; my 28 year old daughter and I are here today in part because of their kindness and generosity. If you want a little more from Scott or a few more details I suggest tracking down his blog. I have not read even close to all the entries but did go back and fill in a few holes by reading the first few months worth of posts.
Well done and best wishes to the Decker family.
July 10, 2018
Unshattered Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life is a well-written account which kept me curious.
At 33 weeks pregnant, Carol Decker entered the hospital unaware that she had sepsis, a deadly blood infection. The staff asked about her rash and the next thing she knew they told her they had to take the baby. The C-section took only 10 minutes, and the baby was rushed to NICU, as Carol was in septic shock.
One might think that was surely enough but this was just the beginning of Carol's journey. Her fever soared in excess of 106 and she developed DIC, and her limbs began dying off. She was placed in a drug-induced coma soon after.
Carols husband, Scott, was forced to make an extremely difficult decision to save her life. Both of her feet were amputated as well as her left hand and right ring finger. Her optic nerve was also damaged. She was left blind. And, due to her blood not properly clotting, she had to begin the process, when she was strong enough, of undergoing multiple skin grafts.
Throughout this book, we see Carol is transparent.
This is a heartwrenching story! It consistently speaks of faith, hope, love, and perseverance. The story is aided by photographs of Carols life's journey. We are able to have a sense of how she is feeling and see the true inspiration that she is.
There is a quote in Carol's book she lives by, 'Life is a gift. If you don't open it, you'll never experience the beauty inside.'
Nowadays, Carol uses technology to assist her in life. She relies on Siri, My Notes, and her prosthetics to maneuver around the nation where she is a motivational speaker.
I received a copy of this truly impressive inspirational book from Julianne Muszynski with Havas PR.
At 33 weeks pregnant, Carol Decker entered the hospital unaware that she had sepsis, a deadly blood infection. The staff asked about her rash and the next thing she knew they told her they had to take the baby. The C-section took only 10 minutes, and the baby was rushed to NICU, as Carol was in septic shock.
One might think that was surely enough but this was just the beginning of Carol's journey. Her fever soared in excess of 106 and she developed DIC, and her limbs began dying off. She was placed in a drug-induced coma soon after.
Carols husband, Scott, was forced to make an extremely difficult decision to save her life. Both of her feet were amputated as well as her left hand and right ring finger. Her optic nerve was also damaged. She was left blind. And, due to her blood not properly clotting, she had to begin the process, when she was strong enough, of undergoing multiple skin grafts.
Throughout this book, we see Carol is transparent.
This is a heartwrenching story! It consistently speaks of faith, hope, love, and perseverance. The story is aided by photographs of Carols life's journey. We are able to have a sense of how she is feeling and see the true inspiration that she is.
There is a quote in Carol's book she lives by, 'Life is a gift. If you don't open it, you'll never experience the beauty inside.'
Nowadays, Carol uses technology to assist her in life. She relies on Siri, My Notes, and her prosthetics to maneuver around the nation where she is a motivational speaker.
I received a copy of this truly impressive inspirational book from Julianne Muszynski with Havas PR.
May 7, 2018
When I first started this book I wasn't sure if I would like it or not. But by the 3rd chapter I couldn't put it down. This woman, Carol Decker, is an inspiration. But not only her, her husband, her family, volunteers, the doctors, everyone involved in her healing, became heroes. I love when a breast cancer survivor told Carol that she has "perspective." So true. If anyone might decide to give up, a triple blind amputee could have the excuse and most people wouldn't blame her. But Carol didn't. She fought. And when she was discouraged, her family and friends fought for her. Now she has perspective that so few understand. Her story definitely helped me take a look at my life and once again count my blessings. We all have trials and we all have the choice as to how we will get through them. I'm glad Carol made the choice to fight and succeed.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this in advance.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this in advance.
April 7, 2018
Unshattered was just okay for me. Not a lot of detail was given as to what exactly led up to Carol's illness, how and why it happened, etc. It mainly focuses on her recovery. It was a pretty depressing book to be honest. No hope is felt till the very end, and even then it is a very mild hope. There is little to no talk of faith at all, till a very shallow mention of it at the end. Carol did not seem to lean on God or her faith pretty much at all throughout. I finished the book feeling kind of down.
May 5, 2018
Amazing story of a terrible situation that both hurt and challenged Carol and also made her stronger and more cheerful in a lot of ways. I cannot imagine what she went through to fight for her life and to go through so much rehabilitation and relearning what she imagined being a mom would be for her, but I appreciated her book truthfully explaining her struggles and triumphs and love for her children, husband, and family.
January 15, 2019
Is truly remarkable what she was able to come through. most of the book is spent on the story of her tragedies, and I was hoping more of her perspective from after making it through. I was thinking it would have more about her faith and its anchor to her survival.
May 6, 2018
wow! What an inspirational woman Carol is. I really enjoyed reading about her story.
June 6, 2020
This is a tough book to assign a rating to! I am in awe of Carol Decker and the way she responded to tragedy and has overcome so many difficulties. What a wonderful thing it is to have a close and supportive family! Her brother quit his job to come stay with her at the hospital so that her husband could still work at his dental practice and care for their two children which is amazing. I learned so many great things from Carol and from the support and love she received from her family, friends, and even strangers. When my mother was 24 years of age she had a massive stroke and lost her ability to speak and was paralyzed on her right side. A year later I was born, before she was really capable of caring for herself, let alone a newborn child. My parents would not have made it through without the help and support of their families. Knowing about my mother's determination and recovery caused this book hit close to home for me. I would love to hear the story from Scott's perspective. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to make those tough medical decisions and watch his wife go through such a terrible ordeal.
May 18, 2020
How do you review a book about someone's life? The first half is surviving the trauma that she went through and the last half is how she learned to really live again. I always want to read the other half of the story from the husband or parent. How did her husband continue to live and learn to balance life? Where did he find his strength? Carol found a point where she wasn't just going through the motions of life, but living. Did her husband Scott find that point? Lots of good points I want to remember. Here's one. It was about a nursing aide that saw a butterfly in her room and says in her culture that means loved ones are watching over you. In her book, Carol stated: "Comfort and peace continued to come in small butterfly like doses and let me set grief aside enough to focus on the challenges at hand."
June 4, 2018
As I started reading Unshattered: Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life, I was amazed at the amount of things this young mother went through. She thought that she was just going to have her second baby and that life would continue to be wonderful. And then she had complications. Due to sepsis, she lost both feet, one hand and a finger, in addition to her sight. Holy cow! Reading about what she has gone through makes me so grateful for the life that I am able to live.
I enjoyed reading this book. The book is written in a way that it's really easy to read. I read the whole book in just one day. I didn't want to stop reading about Carol Decker and her sweet family.
I was inspired by so many aspects of this book. By the way the author chooses to push herself. The way she works hard to reach goals that seem as though they would be impossible to ever reach. And the way she has been able to move on, not getting angry at those around her for what happened to her.
I love this inspiring book! Make sure to take time to read Carol Decker's story. And take time to realize that your life too is beautiful and you can choose to see it that way.
I enjoyed reading this book. The book is written in a way that it's really easy to read. I read the whole book in just one day. I didn't want to stop reading about Carol Decker and her sweet family.
I was inspired by so many aspects of this book. By the way the author chooses to push herself. The way she works hard to reach goals that seem as though they would be impossible to ever reach. And the way she has been able to move on, not getting angry at those around her for what happened to her.
I love this inspiring book! Make sure to take time to read Carol Decker's story. And take time to realize that your life too is beautiful and you can choose to see it that way.
June 10, 2018
Carol is a beautiful soul!!! What an inspiring story!!
I was lucky enough to go to school with Carol! She was a very sweet girl, loved by all! I got the chance to see her again at our 20th high school reunion, and she was still the exact same! Carol is such an inspiration, not just due to her disabilities....but how she chooses to use them to enrich the lives of so many! I’ve told her, and I’ll tell all of you.....I am blessed to know her!
This book was beautifully written, do yourself a favor and become part of her world for a while! Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Carol!!
I was lucky enough to go to school with Carol! She was a very sweet girl, loved by all! I got the chance to see her again at our 20th high school reunion, and she was still the exact same! Carol is such an inspiration, not just due to her disabilities....but how she chooses to use them to enrich the lives of so many! I’ve told her, and I’ll tell all of you.....I am blessed to know her!
This book was beautifully written, do yourself a favor and become part of her world for a while! Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Carol!!
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May 14, 2018What an amazing book! When life hits hardest, how do you make it over each bump in the road? Carol's life changes in an instant through sepsis, she tells of seeing her husband Scott's face, for what would be her last time, and how she wishes she wouldn't have taken that moment for granted. Triple amputee and blindness, almost stop Carol from progressing, but she is determined to find out who she is again and to gain a new perspective. This book made me feel so many emotions, a book about not giving up when life becomes difficult.
March 26, 2018
This is one of the most inspiring books I've read. Carol becomes blind and a triple amputee after the onset of a disease known as Sepsis. This is her story of how she handles her situation and learns to thrive despite everything.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
August 9, 2018
I’ve met Carol Decker at a book signing and she has truly the warmest spirit and energy I’ve ever felt. I hadn’t even realized at the end of the conversation that she had been disabled in anyway. Her book is imbued with that energy and is a worthy read for anyone that is going through a loss or struggle of their own.
August 28, 2018
I could not rate this anything but a 5 star. The extended Decker family are dear friends of ours. I remember when Carol went into the hospital and went through this experience. This book shares her heart wrenching struggle to be a mother and wife again to her family. Such determination and faith. I am so thankful she chose to create a beautiful life!
May 28, 2018
Inspiring and real true story of overcoming loss. A book that causes you to think about the idea that happiness and contentment depend not on our circumstances, but on our attitude.
June 12, 2019
This book was compelling and made me look at what I have with a new appreciation. It was well written, sequenced, and moving. It was a short read and the narrative style was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down until it was finished. Carol's story is inspiring and uplifting and shows the reselience of the human spirit and how those down times can eventually create unexpected growth and blessings. Excellent book.
September 27, 2019
Carol Decker is an amazing woman who faced her challenges with hope, courage, and determination. The first half of this book was quite difficult. I listened to it while driving. Big mistake. I had to turn it off because the details left me a bit lightheaded. (Sometimes I can be squeamish when listening to medical details.) The last half of the book was hopeful and encouraging.
I found hope in my own life and struggles. Just because my losses and struggles are different, doesn't mean they are any less real. Carol acknowledges that fact, which makes this book even more approachable--no quilt, just inspiration.
Thank you, Stacy Nash, for telling Carol's story with such beauty and class.
I found hope in my own life and struggles. Just because my losses and struggles are different, doesn't mean they are any less real. Carol acknowledges that fact, which makes this book even more approachable--no quilt, just inspiration.
Thank you, Stacy Nash, for telling Carol's story with such beauty and class.
February 5, 2020
I really related to her illness, though mine was not nearly as bad. She really gave me perspective on what I feel are the trials in my life currently. What an undomitable woman.
May 16, 2020
This book really puts our own challenges into perspective, and makes you wonder what you would do in her situation! I loved this book!
July 8, 2024
I rarely give 5 stars to a book. I think it’s because it’s a story that could have been so different without the strong spirit and determination that Carol displayed. Granted, it was a journey she has not done solo, but the outcome hinged in her positive attitude and never giving up. She truly has chosen a beautiful life!Amazing!!
November 11, 2018
I don't know Carol personally, but I was touched by her story and her ability to live a full and happy life despite her trials. My own health problems have seemed insurmountable at times, but I am inspired by Carol. I know that life is worth living and that we can all make a difference in our own way.
March 9, 2022
This was an uplifting and inspiring story, the humility and honesty that Carol shared through her story was rore and believable. I felt her pain in the sad times and her excitement in the successes. As a fellow totally blind person the story also touched me and has made me more encouraged to go after the life I want. It’s also made me grateful for what I have, I may not have eyes that work but I’m physically able in every other way and don’t have to face the challenges that Carol does. I have also been this way my whole life so do not know any different, however Carol had to face this in her early thirties with no warning, it is impossible for me to imagine what that must have been lied to suddenly be unable to see and lose three limbs. Despite her challenges, she’s gone on to live a full and productive life. The story has inspired me because if she can do it with the challenges she faces as somebody who’s only Disability is a lack of eyes that work I have no excuses. Over the last couple of years I’ve been on an inspiring journey personal development and learning, this story has made me even more determined to continue that journey to realise mine and others full potential.
July 4, 2018
I was hoping this would be as inspirational as Stephanie Nielsen’s memoir, but it wasn’t for me. While what this author went through is challenging beyond belief, I couldn’t get into it emotionally with the style she wrote in. Her story is definitely AMAZING and she is awe-inspiring. I did take a lot out of her descriptions of some of the mental things that helped her. It just lacked pulling me in and feeling like I really had gotten to know her, if that makes sense. I’d love to hear her speak sometime though.
February 4, 2019
I loved this book. It took me a while to get through because the tragedy upon tragedy that Carol endured really weighed on me. I have no where near endured what she has, but I have felt some similar feeling of loss, grief and depression through some of my own hardships. I loved that she did not sugar coat how low she did feel at points in her recovery. I felt like she was next to me telling me about her story thus far. I also really appreciated the end and how she chooses joy. It really is a choice! Her story is one that will stick with me forever (that's why I give it 5 stars).
March 2, 2021
Wow! This woman has been through so much and overcome so much. She is an inspiration to all.
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