Monday, April 23, 2018

Book: Gratitude in Motion


About the book:
It was a beautiful fall day in Connecticut when Colleen Kelly Alexander, a lifelong athlete, rode her bike home from work. She had survived both a diagnosis of lupus and brain surgery, had a fulfilling career, and was married at last to the love of her life. Everything was good as she coasted along, meeting the eyes of a truck driver as he approached the stop sign beside her.

He didn't stop. The truck hit Colleen, running over her lower body with front and back tires and dragging her across the pavement. As she bled out in the street, nearby strangers surrounded her and the driver attempted to get away. An EMT herself, Colleen knew she had to stay awake. "I've just been reconnected with my soulmate," she told the medic. "We want to have a baby. I can't die now. Please don't let me die."

Five weeks in a coma and twenty-nine surgeries later, Colleen survived. Rather than let the trauma and PTSD control her life, she became determined to find a way to make something positive from her pain. She decided she'd run again and dedicate her race medals to the everyday heroes around us, including the medical staff and blood donors who saved her life. Since then Colleen has run fifty races and completed forty triathlons, including four half-Ironman events. Now a spokesperson for the Red Cross, Colleen shares her incredible inspirational story to encourage others to take that first step forward.


My thoughts:
Gratitude is such an important part of my life so I was intrigued by the title.  Then when I read the description of what this lady had been through I wanted to read it.  Colleen does a good job sharing her story.  I cannot even imagine the pain both physically and emotionally that she has endured.  What a remarkable story of perseverance!   
Colleen has many amazing heroes who have played a role in her story.   Now Colleen shares her story and encourages others to be heroes, like through donating blood.  It is clear how easy it would be to be depressed if you were in this situation so it is inspiring to see her attitude and positive outlook.  This doesn't mean she doesn't have hard days and ask questions.  But her perspective has changed and she looks for the positive and ways to help others.   

It will change your perspective when you read this book!  


I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

1 comment:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Wow, what a story, I got chills reading your synopsis!