Stephanie
Nielson had her perfect life: a handsome, loving husband; a beautiful
home in Arizona; a supportive family; 4 beautiful children; a popular
blog...
Then, on August 16, 2008, Stephanie, her husband, and a
friend were in a terrible plane crash. Stephanie was burned over 80%
of her body. The miracle was that she lived. Even though, at times,
she wished she hadn't. No longer able to be the mother she longed to be
-- and the mother she was before, Stephanie was crushed by her
inability to do anything. Her children were cared for by her sisters
while she and her husband Christian healed in hospitals a state away.
Devastated by all she had lost, Stephanie felt incredible guilt for what
she had done to her family.
Until a peace settled over her late
one night. And she realized what a blessing it was to still be alive.
Though she knew it would be hard, Stephanie determined then that she
would conquer this trial. That she would, once again, be the mother her
children deserved. That she would hope and dream and press on. And
with her determined efforts, Stephanie does just that. Along the way
she realizes that she is not her body, and that life is a gift.
***I'll
admit, initially I was pretty sick of all the sugary-sweetness of her
"perfect" life. It seemed a little "too perfect." But as I read on and
read the experiences and strength and determination of Stephanie
Nielson, I couldn't help but imagine how I would respond, had it been
me. My heart broke for her when she told of initially seeing her
children for the first time after her accident as I imagined how that
would feel for me. And so, for me, the book improved vastly and I
really enjoyed it and appreciate the strength of a woman whose trials
have far outweighed mine. She is an example to me of how we can CHOOSE
to be happy and choose to go forward, in spite of hardships. She is an
example of great faith.
