Unthinkable: A Mother's Tragedy, Terror and Triumph Through A Child's Traumatic Brain Injury

Having shared this unthinkable injury and journey of recovery with my own 16 year old son just 5 years ago, Dixie's words-her deeply written emotion, instantly pulled me back to those heart wrenching first days and weeks. I didn't know I needed to go back to those feelings to finally let go of the pain and unrelenting questioning of faith until I read her book. The way she so delicately weaves her own experience into the readers consciousness all the while guiding you through the experience with tips at every chapters end was just beautifully done. She clearly reveals what every mother fears when her child is injured. She lovingly gives us back our questioning faith and gives permission for us to go outside and scream the primal scream of WHY???? Having felt those very same feelings but unable to put them in words, I felt a deep connection to Dixie and a very real need to reach in to the pages and hug her, comfort her,tell her there is hope, hang on, stay with it,you will get through this. I must say I was not prepared for the last few chapters but needed to again reach through the pages to give everyone in this very brave, strong, faithful family a huge hug. I hope to do that by including this book in my Tote Bags of Comfort & Hope provided to all families in Florida experiencing a Traumatic Brain Injury with a loved one through 23 participating Trauma Centers. [...]

Dixie's story is one that is painfully raw with emotion. Yet,at the same time, the journey is blended with hope, and complete faith that Paul would survive the horrific accident. Dixie allows you to see into what life is like not only for the TBI patient, but for the family as well. The complete bond and faith of the Coskie family is evident and has provided them with the support needed to help Paul and the family heal. The book offers helpful tips for anyone dealing with a TBI.

As I read this book, I was amazed at two things; one, the emotion and pain with which Dixie wrote the book, purely from the heart, and with no holds barred for her honest experience. It was very powerful - she said what most people think but would never share!! Her "tips" after each chapter is going to be so welcome by people who are dealing with some of the same issues - as with most of us parents, when something happens to your child you crave information about what other people have experienced to help you deal with the situation. I have to believe that folks who have kids with severe injuries like Paul would be thrilled to have this book by their side to help them through the difficulties. Dixie is obviously a very amazing person, as is her husband Steven, and all her children. But most amazing is Paul - I can't get over his constant drive to beat the odds and to work hard to regain his life back - it's a trait that everyone should be very proud of and that we all wish for our children and ourselves! Once you start this book, you can't put it down!

Coskie's title says it all- it's hard to wrap your mind around the ramifications from brain injury, especially the effect it has on a family. Her honest tale shows the daily struggle of life with a person with brain injury, as well as the incredible resiliency of the body and spirit. Highly recommended. Those with family members with TBI will find a lot of helpful advice here in the chapter-ending "Tips" sections. Anyone who is a parent will find that the narrative resonates. A moving story, compassionate and inspirational.

This is an amazing read; a harrowing journey through a mothers worst nightmare. I highly recommend this book for anyone. It is for family and friends who have experienced the traumatic medical emergency of a loved one but also for those who just want to gain a better appreciation for a mother's love and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.