If I could have my dream job, it would be that of a perpetual student—getting paid to learn, every single day! Unfortunately, that offer hasn't landed in my inbox yet. But the absence of a job title certainly doesn't stop me from being a lifelong learner, continually seeking knowledge and insights that not only benefit me but can also make a difference for my clients, and hopefully, for you too. While I certainly enjoy audiobooks, I have always found it challenging to find a podcast that truly captivates me—until now. Recently, I stumbled upon a podcast that I find both educational and thought-provoking: The Addicted Mind.
On August 14, 2023, The Addicted Mind featured an extraordinary guest, Geralyn Ritter. She's a survivor, a beacon of hope in the face of sudden, life-altering trauma. Geralyn's story revolves around the Amtrak 188 derailment, an unimaginable tragedy that occurred just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2015. In Car 1 of that ill-fated train, she experienced a horrifying derailment, with the train hurtling along at a shocking 50 mph over the speed limit. The outcome was nothing short of a nightmare. Severely injured and facing life-threatening circumstances, she wasn't expected to survive.
Before this traumatic event, Geralyn had been a devoted mother of three and a globe-trotting senior executive. But in an instant, her life was irrevocably changed, leaving her immobilized and dependent on a ventilator for survival. It was a journey into the unknown, a path fraught with uncertainty.
In her poignant book, Bone by Bone, Geralyn recounts those early days of sudden trauma. She takes us on a deeply personal journey, one filled with numerous life-saving surgeries, the struggle to make sense of her new reality, and the often frustrating challenge of communicating with medical professionals and family members. It marked the beginning of a lifelong quest for a new normal. Hers is a story of trauma, of hope, of resilience, and of recovery—both the triumphs and the setbacks. It's a story that speaks to the difficult truths that come with such experiences.
What struck me most about Geralyn's writing is its honesty, its humility, and its power to inspire. It's a testament to the strength of survivors of traumatic injury and their families, a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
I was deeply moved by her story, and I've encouraged my own family members to read it. I am profoundly grateful for Geralyn's willingness to share such a harrowing chapter of her life. Her recovery is nothing short of a miracle, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to find hope, healing, and inspiration through Bone by Bone.
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