Just Give Me the Road

by Anne Marie Romer

Kathy fell into her sister's embrace in the Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital lobby in Chicago. "Just give me the road," she whispered into the safety of her sister's arms. "I don't care how long it takes, just give me the road." Less than 12 hours earlier, Kathy's 18-year old son Conor was hit by a car and suffered a life-threatening brain injury while crossing the street in downtown Chicago.

Kathy and Anne Marie navigated a fractured childhood through the eyes of a strong mother whose life example showed them how to live with gratitude and grit despite adversity. Impenetrable sisterhood was cemented by the heartbreak of losing two brothers to suicide and coordinated schedules to care for their elderly mom. They navigated life through partnership and mutual alliance.

Now, Kathy and her family were faced with a lonely and unimaginable anguish as she watched her son lay in a hospital bed with a poor chance for survival. Anne Marie had a front-row seat as Kathy opened herself to grace, searched for good despite repeated tragedy, and leaned on what she knew for sure; the presence of love in all.

Anne Marie engages every reader with honesty and vulnerability into the common space of navigating struggle with a perspective of hope. This is a story of Kathy's unyielding determination to restore Conor to wellness; weaving a greater story of sisterhood into Kathy's very personal quest to save her son.

246 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[Victoria Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As other reviews rightfully stress, this is indeed the beautiful true story of an extraordinary young man who, with the invaluable support of his loving family, perseveres with strength and determination through an apparently insurmountable brain injury to recovery.

But it's not the only tragedy this family has endured. So, for me, what makes the book stand out is how the author masterfully engages us in a journey through her family's various challenges with raw honesty dressed in a beautiful narration that veers from unnecessary drama to deliver, in the end, a deeply satisfying story.

[Alec Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring account of a family that wades through heartbreaking tragedies with unmatched resilience and love for one another. From medical miracles, to the raw emotions of an aching mother’s heart, the Author, Anne Romer, elicits meaningful emotion through her writing. A great book for emotionally mature readers. 5/5

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true story about a family who lives in Dayton, Ohio who college aged son was hit by a drunk driver while he was walking in a crosswalk. He was thrown 30 feet and as a result he had a severe brain injury. The book details his incredible comeback.

[Jenny Scherrbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous story about triumph over adversity. It’s really hard to put down.

[Mary Schwarz Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, my admiration for this family knows no bounds. It is made more interesting as this amazing family is from Centerville, Ohio.