I just read the book by Stephanie Neilson called Heaven is Here. It was so uplifting! I don't know if anyone knows who she is, but here's a little summary: She started blogging when she was living across the country from her family as a way to connect. Over time her blog grew in popularity and she became a well-known blogger. In mid-2008 she was in a tragic airplane crash and was burned over 80% of her body. So many people rallied around her (and still do) through her recovery and continued surgeries and struggles. I was able to relate to a lot of what she experienced. I can never pretend to understand the amount of pain she has and will endure, but I can understand many of the emotions she has experienced. I am so thankful to a friend of mine for introducing me to Nie Nie and leading me to this book. I am so glad that I was prompted to read it.One thing that Stephanie wrote about was coming to accept her scars and her new appearance. Her sister helped her realize that in a way her scars are beautiful. Stephanie was reminded of the Savior's scars and how they are tokens of the Atonement and the things he has done for us. She was able to realize that, despite her physical appearance she was still the same on the inside and that her scars represent the new opportunities she has been given and the choice she made to keep her body and live. This resounded with me because, even though I don't have a lot of very visible scars I still have a huge scar up my stomach that I am self-conscious about and my mom has said that she thinks it is a beautiful scar because it means that I am still here.
Stephanie also talked about being given a chance to live or die and she chose to live. It makes me wonder if I was given the same choice and, if I was, I want to live better so that I can deserve that chance I was given. I want to use this experience to help make a difference for myself, my family and for others.
If anyone is interested in the book it can be found online, at Deseret Book stores, and Seagull Book stores. As far as Nie Nie's blog is concerned you can visit it here.
6 comments:
I've been reading NieNie for years, she is amazing! I can relate a lot to her and have been given that choice as well, four times! I'm so glad I chose to stay every time because now I have a little family that I wouldn't have if I chose otherwise. I'm so grateful for your uplifting story, keep being strong!
Alissa
ripleyadoption.blogspot.com
I also have a copy I am willing to pass around. I found time last weekend to start it and even had a sick day last week where I was able to finish it. I am grateful for those whose testimonies are strong enough to share their pain and all that has helped them heal.
Thank you, Melissa. I appreciate your sharing the ways you relate to her. I knew about her story and now I want to read her book. We are so grateful that you are still with us and for your example, and Ethne's, Lawrence's and Edward's example.
Love, Grandma E.
What a beautiful post, Melissa. You are such a great example to me - thank you for sharing all that you are learning. You are a great blessing to us.
I love Stephanie Nielson and I don't even know her. I learned about her a few years ago when we used her story at girls camp. Through that I found her blog and enjoyed learning about her amazing life. I didn't realize she had a book, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am anxious to read it. Thanks so much for sharing your sweet experience
Stephanie Nielson lead a peaceful, happy life with her family. She loved the simple things in life as much as she loved her husband and children. Then, a terrifying plane crash completely turned her life around as she fought to survive. After working on burn units during my Nursing career, I can witness the agony and suffering that Stephanie and her husband endured. There are no words to describe the experience of extreme pain for a prolonged period of time through repeated treatments and therapy on the road to recovery. However, after burned patients undergo such severe trauma, there are certain factors that help a great deal to heal. Stephanie Nielson held on to the most important factor, which was love, combined with her inner-strength of faith. Her incredible determination to renew her life through the power of prayer, combined with caring support from family and friends gave her the hope to move on in life. This endearing memoir is highly recommended for all those who enjoy inspirational stories. "HEAVEN IS HERE" shows the world how faith and love can not only determine a strong will to live, but also how this spirit can help others in unexpected life-threatening situations.
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