by Elizabeth Golden

An Excerpt from Elizabeth's Book:

I'm proud of my operation. I know that sounds funny, but I think it makes me feel unique. And it's created a wonderful bond between my Aunt Joanne and me, Grammy and me, and yes even my brother Robert and me. As for Mom and me, it made us realize our relationship was more important than any job. It also deepened my bond with my Dad and Ali. When I was diagnosed with scoliosis in seventh grade, I suddenly became different from my classmates. At first, that was hard to take. After having my spine straightened through surgery, I realize now that my personality may have changed even more than my back did. I'm a much more determined and focused person than I was before the operation. True, I was given no choice but to go through with the surgery as scary as it was, but how I fought to get through each moment of the surgery and the long recovery was my decision. I don't think I'll ever lose this fierce resolve which has remained with me, supporting me in every challenge I encounter.

I also gained self-confidence. As each day passes, I feel better and better about myself. Even doing things I'd once taken for granted (like eating solid food) make me feel as though I have won a major victory.

The biggest boost, however, was looking back on the entire experience and realizing what I had accomplished when life threw me an unexpected curve. I had no way of knowing how strong I was until I was tested. Although my long scar and frightening experience may seem like unwanted baggage to many, it has in fact lightened my load, and greatly changed the way I view and live my life.

Published by: Five Star Publications
ISBN 978-1-58985-102-3
$12.95
Published June 2008
Paperback / Nonfiction