Heathers book serves several purposes for all of us. She survived two major accidents that could have killed her but didn't. Heather gives the reader her great fortitude along with her faith that forces her to push on in life to get better and be able to do some normal things in life. The lessons are terrific and will give all readers a different outlook on life as they read on. I enjoyed every part of this book especially the daily journal her family wrote while she was in the hospital the second time.
Heather had been in the military and became a pilot when women were finally allowed to fly in combat. She loved her flying and loved life. She eventually met "the right guy" and she and Jack got married. They had children and she left the military so she could be with her family more since the military limited her time off and places she had to go. She took a job with an airline, becoming a co-pilot and loving her job. However, life didn't remain good for Heather or her family when she was hit from the side while driving and was injured quite badly. Mainly her crushed pelvis and her traumatic brain injury were the worst. She recovered and was allowed to return to work after a year of rehabilitation and hard work to regain her faculties. Then in October 2010 she had another accident. Jack was cutting down trees and Heather was hit on the head by a falling tree and branches. This accident was the rough one. She was in the hospital for a long time as the medical staff did all they could to get her as near normal as possible. She was in a shell for her upper body support, part of her skull was removed so the doctors could relieve some of the pressure in her brain, and she was a mess almost from head to toe. No visitors except immediate family for a time at first, but Jack stayed with her pretty much 24/7 so he could be there for her all the time.
Eventually she improved and they brought her out of her induced coma to be followed by some extremely hard rehabilitation. Heather had to learn to do almost everything from scratch, from talking, to moving the slightest bit. Her sister-in-law kept a daily diary that is in the book and is very interesting. The family dog, Hannah, stayed with Heather a lot and that helped her healing as much as family did with their presence. The dog climbed into bed with her and snuggled. Heather's faith and belief in the power of prayer kept her mind and body on track towards healing; a healing that still goes on today. She is presently home and working on her many rehab things such as writing, remembering, reading, and recognizing things and people. She is improving and realizes she has no ability to go back to work now but who knows what the future will bring.
This entire book shows what faith and prayer can do for a person. If we all used that ability to connect with God our own lives would be so much better. Thankfully, Heather has that faith in God and after what she has been through the results of that faith shows every day. The book tells of her outlook on everyday life and gives us all so much to ponder in our lives. Heather is a miracle and she and her family know that for a fact.
One Foot On the Ground, A Pilot's Memoirs of Aviators And Aviation By Paul Roxin
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