Rising Up . . . from a Long Way Down

Rising Up...from a Long Way Down is a true story that touches the depths of our souls, proving that love conquers all and " indeed " life is beautiful if you so choose it to be. Andrew, a bright, handsome 14-year-old, falls from a 30' swing, sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a coma for six weeks, prayers are offered for him to wake up and when he does he is terrified, scarcely able to speak or move. Barely able to hold a pencil, he frantically scratches, "Prisoner in a foreign country." This is the story of Andrew's courageous and unrelenting fight to overcome his injuries. His mother, the author C. C. Gross, is his biggest advocate, fighting the discrimination that results when Andrew re-enters the world-a world that does not understand TBI. C. C. shares her personal odyssey of this life-altering catastrophic event, and the repercussions the accident imprints on her family and their relationships. Her simple Canadian roots transform her into a warrior, uncovering guts of steel. The story is poignant and heartbreaking, yet C. C. never forgets humor as well as sensitivity and faith in God. "A journey of a family's pain and struggles in dealing with traumatic brain injury may sound like a depressing read, but author Connie Crane's story is one of hope, faith, and indomitable spirit. Her honesty and vulnerability make this account shine, and readers will be uplifted and encouraged, all the while reminding them of the preciousness of life and how love triumphs over every obstacle in its way. Rising Up . . . from a Long Way Down is a book all parents should read, to remind them to value every moment with their children, through good times and hard times." ~ C. S. Lakin, author of CONUNDRUM