When my kids were learning to walk, I remember walking behind them, ready to catch them if they stumbled backward. I never dreamed that thirteen years later my kids would be walking behind me, ready to catch me if I stumbled backward.
I was 42 years old when I was diagnosed with a benign, operable, brain tumor. Doctors predicted a short hospital stay followed by a speedy recovery. Complications arose, giving me unexpected life-long obstacles.
A divorced mother of two beautiful, talented, wonderful children, I had high hopes for a bright and happy future. I had a secure job that I loved, and I was beginning to date again when my brain tumor was diagnosed.
My life since that fateful day has been focused on regaining basic human functions: breathing, swallowing, walking, etc. I am working again, and trying to be a good mother to my two beautiful, talented, wonderful children.
Putting a positive spin on life’s disasters doesn’t always work, but looking for, and accepting, positive things in spite of life’s disasters works. Instead of making lemonade out of lemons, I add life’s sweet sugar and cranberries to my lemons. This makes life much more palatable.
Ok… yes I admit it… I was partially drawn to this book because book is in the author’s name. It’s true.. I am that girl. 😛 BUT, before you go rolling your eyes (if it’s not too late) I did find more in this book than a really cool authors name… I found a fighter, a survivor… and a down right funny woman!
What Shari goes through in this book would put some of us down for the count. In a time that would be easier to go lay back in bed with the covers up to your eye brows, Shari writes of a determined spirit.
Here is a part of the book:
At night when I couldn’t sleep, I asked myself some very difficult questions. I had questions about the value of my life, questions about my future, questions about why this happened to me, and questions about my dogs capacity for humor. My questions had no right answers just like my problems had no solution.
These were some of the questions I asked myself:
What should I do if my life is over but I am still alive?
When I get to Heaven, will I be able to walk normally?
It is said that as long as you have your health, you have everything. Well what if I don’t have my health, then what have I got?
Is my glass half full or half empty? Who cares if I don’t like the beverage?
How can I accept my physical limitations and believe that I can continue to improve physically as well?
Where’s Nemo?
Page 116
I enjoyed reading Shari’s story very much. This is a book that as Shari would say, helps you exercise your right to choose how you are going to go forward from the lemons that life tends to toss our way.
AMAZON RATING
I received this book for review as part of a Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour
Book Journey 
This sounds like a pretty inspiring yet down-to-earth book. The excerpt you shared was terrific.
Thanks Jenners – I liked that too…. sounds like me… worried but then think of something random and funny… 😛
I have this in my stack and I’m excited to read it. I’m glad it’s good.
Oh good Holly – I would like to see other reviews of this one. 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful book, albeit a sad story. I love memoirs and will have to grab this one. Thanks for the review!
Sure Samantha!
Hooray for the strong women who fight. I have lots of medical problems but nothing like she has. Her story is so inspiring, it makes want to meet her.
CarolNWong@aol.com
I like stories like that too Carol.
Yes, it cracks me up that you chose to read this book partly because the author’s name includes “book”! But, then, I’ve been drawn to books for silly reasons, too.
It is an amazing last name Hannah. 😀
Seems a little convenient, though; are you sure it’s not a pseudonym?
Good point Hannah…. I am not sure. Or is it like in the olden days when your last name was Baker it was because that’s what you are…. LOL
Oh my… now I am thinking what would my last name be? 😛
Ooh, good question!
Sounds likes a wonderfully inspirational story of keeping your sense of humor and good outlook when you have every reason not too!
I thought it was Kathleen.
Hi, My last name really is BOOKSTAFF! I swear! After my divorce, of course! Thanks for your comments. I’m continuing my story at http://bookstaff.blogspot.com/
Shari
LOL Shari! That is so awesome (and you know I am jealous!) Glad you could stop by!
I love her attitude. In the end, what we make of the obstacles and opportunities life puts in our path is up to us. Some grab it by the horns and run with it making what the can of it. Others can’t seem to decide to handle it. Still others give up and don’t even try. She obviously isn’t going to sit around waiting.
Nope. She’s not Pat. 🙂
This book sounds like one we all need to read.