Why Me?

I Only wish I could get in Touch with this wonderful woman who has been an indellible inspiration to me ever since 1984 when I first saw the movie about her accident.. and more importantly.. about her recovery. And now, 19 years later, to finally have a copy of the book that fills in the gaps. How can I be so lucky? Leola Mae is a true Survivor, and through her experiences replayed on the screen and on paper, I, too, have become a Survivor against so many odds that people have shaken their heads in amazement when they see and hear me. I could've given up, but Leola had already become such an inspiration to me, it was no longer an option I'd even consider. Just 3 months ago, her influence came into play again for me as I began the recovery process after a 13-foot fall to a slate floor. Both arms broken, a head injury, bruises and torn muscles.. and a boss who couldn't understand why I wouldn't be back to work that week. It's a long process to go through, learning how to write again, triumphs over lifting a wet washcloth, a can of tuna, a bowl of soup. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, and even though I'm still not fully recovered, I already feel like the Velveteen Rabbit! (read the book and you'll know what I mean) This book is written in such a beautiful, personal way. I can picture the intersection where the accident happened, I can see her try to lift her head from the snow. I'm right there with her when she discovers everyday tasks are too much to try so soon. What she describes is the way it really happens, folks. I'm here to testify to that. If only I'd known her accident had happened in Alaska,(I used to live in Anchorage) I would have erected a sign in honor of her at that very spot along Tudor Road that I, too, had traveled many times. I would have sought permission to post a commemorative memo on the bulletin board at the Elmendorf AFB Hospital where I spent so many hours, if only I had known I was walking the very halls where she had worked. Leola Mae, if you're out there, please know your story has influenced - and saved - many lives out there. I am forever grateful to you for your courage.Most Sincerely (and still in recovery 10/2003),Barbara Gilmore

The pain Leola wrote in her book of her own medical experience more then likely does not come even come close to what she experienced in real life. Leola is a true survivor in every sense of the word. While this is a wonderful book for anyone to read, I would particularly highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to get through just about any of life's trials (medical or otherwise) which have a tendancy to to make one feel there is no hope. There is hope. Leola will convince you of that. In every sense of the word, Leola is a beautiful person - inside and out and I wish her everything she could possibly hope for.