Embracing The Waves: How I survived incomprehensible loss and relearned how to live

by John T. Chartier

John's narrative begins with a powerful wave that knocked him off his feet, flipping him upside down, leaving him shattered and unable to move anything below his neck. The stream of "what now?" questions that emerged in the wake of losing his independence set the stage for the soul-searching explored in these pages. As he began therapy to recover from his spinal cord injury, he also began to reflect on the early years of his life, connecting to the strength and resilience he learned while navigating other losses. The stories in this book are meant to help readers see their own strengths by relating to the common thread of human experience and the importance of our connection with each other. John's desire in sharing his very personal experience is that he will be able to help people to find hope in their own journeys and that they will realize that they are not alone.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2021

Reviews

[Diana M Woloszyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

From loss to triump

This heartwarming and gut wrenching true story will tug at your heart strings from John's near death experience to his troubled childhood to him overcoming the biggest challenge he ever faced. Have your tissues handy. You'll learn that no matter how difficult life can be, there is hope if you keep a positive attitude and bring your sense of humor!or along for the arduous ride.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and sit at John's feet and hear his amazing story. The tragedies he has experienced will break your heart, but you will marvel at and be inspired by the resiliency of his spirit. John's willingness to be honest, transparent and vulnerable gives you the feeling you just had a heart to heart, soul baring conversation with a dear friend. This book has much to teach us about how humor, faith and love can bring light, healing and hope to the darkest nights of our soul.

[Cindy Springer Hisrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story about the author's determination to relearn how to live after a life changing injury. I first learned of John's story and this book when I met his wife, Rhonda, last Summer. This is not a book I would normally gravitate towards but, after meeting Rhonda, I also wanted to get to know her husband by reading his story, his words; fear, courage, determination, love, faith, and family. Oh, and baseball. Note: John and Rhonda live in NE Ohio

[Allison Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a Resident at the facility I currently work at… AMAZING! If you are looking for a book about perseverance, a positive attitude, and how to overcome the worst disruptions, this is the book for you. It’s even more touching since 3/4ths of the story take place in Northeast Ohio. 10/10 read!