Julianne Berard
Mike Link
EDUC-2530-005
12 March 2014
Joni
Eareckson Tada; a book review
Joni
Eareckson Tada is a biography written by Kathleen White. It is a heart-wrenching
story of a 17-year-old girl who went swimming one day and came home a quadriplegic
due to a diving accident. The story follows Joni’s struggles through treatment,
and coming to terms with her condition. Throughout her rehabilitation Joni went
through personal and spiritual battles, and came out of it triumphant in
character and faith is now an inspiration to millions. This book was a joy to
read, though there were painful parts to read it was an overall enjoyable book.
Joni
Eareckson was born in 1950, to Johnny and Lindy, the youngest of four girls.
They grew up in a loving and supportive environment, where friend and family
relationships were highly valued. They often would embark on family activities,
such as camping, horseback riding and hiking, strengthening the love they had
for each other and for God. Joni says in her book, “There is something
wonderful about sharing the same genetics with another person- the same
parents, roots, background, memories, history- and in a sense, flesh and blood”
(pg 9). On one of these outings Joni joined her sister Kathy and Kathy’s
boyfriend Butch. It was a typical afternoon at the beach, complete with a
picnic. Joni went for one last swim and dove off the raft, but as her head
struck a rock her body went into a frenzy and she ended up on the bottom of the
lake unable to move her arms or kick her legs. Kathy swam down and pulled Joni
to the safety of the beach. Joni could not feel anything below her neck, and
was rushed to the hospital.
There the family found out that Joni’s
condition was critical, she was put in a Stryker Frame, a straight bed that
flipped every two hours, so she either suspended over the floor or staring at
the ceiling. Days passed, and Joni was stuck in the Stryker Frame, unable to
see her roommates who were also in the ICU, some died, some left for rehab.
Joni became aware of her condition, and had high hopes that she would walk out
of the hospital one day, though emotions were running high and low during this
time. Joni turned to her faith, asking God why this happened, and when she was
going to be healed. Joni then got transferred to GreenOaks, a place for further
rehabilitation, though the underappreciated and overworked staff put a damper
on Joni’s spirit and her drive to get better. Her good friend, Diana took time
off school and started working at GreenOaks to further help Joni and the
friends she made there. Joni had a reputation, she was a Christian, and her
faith had helped her deal with and cope with her condition. This reputation,
however, caused Joni to distance herself from God, on the outside Joni was the
poster child for recovery and positive attitudes, but on the inside Joni was fraught
with doubt and anger. But when Joni was allowed to go home for Christmas, she
felt joy and hope. Those emotions quickly faded when Christmas was spent lying
on a bed, propped up and unable to do the Christmas traditions as she once did.
On October
15th Joni turned 18, and had a renewed hope, attitude and worldview.
She began occupational therapy and began drawing with her mouth. Growing up
Joni enjoyed sketching and her new attitude allowed her to feel more like
herself. She signed every piece of artwork and added a PTL, standing for Praise
The Lord. “You see… God loves us- He does care. For those who love God,
everything- even what happened to me at age seventeen- works together for
good…My art is a reflection of how God can empower someone like me to rise
above circumstances. With this new outlook on life Joni transferred to a
rehabilitation center in Los Angeles, learning how to feed herself and to be
more independent. After her time in California Joni moved out to a farm in
Maryland with her sister Jay and her daughter Kay.
Throughout
the rest of Joni’s recovery she had highs and lows, always battling with what
she could do before the accident, and her faith in God. One of the highs was
when her artwork was showcased in Baltimore on “Joni Eareckson Day,” and was
the kickoff event for Art Appreciation Week. Another high was when Joni’s story
was made into a movie- though it was painful to relive the past.
This book is an
incredible read, it evokes so many emotions. It feels like you are with Joni,
like a fly on the wall, seeing her ups and downs up close and personal. It is a
real eye opener; it showed me that I take many things for granted. Just the
fact that I can walk is a gift. I have all my limbs, and they all work, I have
all my senses. Joni struggle help show me that my life is good. I don’t have a
ton of money, I am not super popular, but I have all limbs, senses, a loving
family, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and food to eat. Joni’s battle
is inspiring, if she can get through all of that then surly I can get through
what I am going through. Many people draw on other’s experiences and how they
can be resilient and come out of tough situations on top. The way Joni
relearned how to live, what she could do and the way she came to terms with her
new life is encouraging.
The manner in
which Joni drew on her faith to get her through is an inspiration. As a person
of faith myself, the way Joni stood strong in her faith is incredible. She did
have her doubts and anger but she came out of the situation with her faith
intact, even stronger than it was. It shows me that no matter what you may be
going through, there is a way to come out on top, and with your relationships,
family and faith, intact if not stronger.
If you are
looking for an inspiring and encouraging book Joni Eareckson Tada is the book
for you! It not only reaches out to those who are struggling with
exceptionalities but also those who are struggling with faith and life in
general. Joni shows how to be thankful for life even when it seems like you
have no life at all, how to overcome obstacles you never thought were possible.
Joni Eareckson Tada is an excellent book, and I recommend it to anyone who
needs an uplifting and heartwarming book to read.
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