Reviews and Praise for Unthinkable
Legendary, Oscar Winning actress Patricia Neal (1926-2010), whose son endured a traumatic brain injury, read Dixie’s memoir/caregivers handbook and wrote:
“I am someone who does not just believe in miracles, I depend on them. Miracles come in many forms. Some come at the speed of a lightning bolt… body healed… a life saved. But most miracles come about because of incredible hard work and determination, not only by the injured person fighting for his or her way back, but also by the often unsung heroes who do the work of the angels here on earth.
One of these angels is Dixie Fremont-Coskie, who has written Unthinkable: A Mother’s Tragedy, Terror, and Triumph through a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury. The book not only tells the remarkable story of her son Paul’s continuing recovery from a terrible cycling accident, she has also outlined her insights and experiences as a caregiver in the form of a practical handbook to help others who may face similar challenges. I highly recommend this book. As a woman who has had one of my own children triumph over a traumatic brain injury, I salute the author’s courage, faith, and most of all love.” ~ Patricia Neal, February 2010
“Paul Coskie’s triumph over terrible trauma is a story of his courage and will to endure. In this eloquent, searing memoir by his mother, Dixie, it is also a story of unwavering family love and faith — of heroism — in facing crisis and coming through it. And for the reader it is an affirmation of hope. Paul perseveres. He is a lion. He lives. And in doing so, he shows us how to live.”
– Jonathan Auerbach, award-winning writer, rock guitarist and singer/songwriter, and music instructor
“Paul was not the only member of his family to make a remarkable recovery. This book details the family struggles a therapist is not always aware of. While Paul was working in occupational therapy to learn how to dress himself, his family was having difficulty persisting with their own daily routines. Dixie explains this perspective; it will change your priorities and leave you thinking about what is truly important in life.” – Raymond Levitre, Occupational Therapist, Franciscan Hospital for Children
“Dixie Coskie writes her story from the heart. She openly shares her personal struggles when her world is changed forever by her son’s traumatic brain injury. Dixie’s story opens a window for health care providers and families to look into the complex issues faced when tragedy strikes. As a physical therapist, I believe this story offers insight, validation, and hope to all audiences.”
– Beth Grill, physical therapist, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Boston, Framingham, MA
From Amazon
“This is an amazing read; a harrowing journey through a mothers worst nightmare. I highly recommend this book for anyone. It is for family and friends who have experienced the traumatic medical emergency of a loved one but also for those who just want to gain a better appreciation for a mother’s love and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.” – D. Boland
“Coskie’s title says it all- it’s hard to wrap your mind around the ramifications from brain injury, especially the effect it has on a family. Her honest tale shows the daily struggle of life with a person with brain injury, as well as the incredible resiliency of the body and spirit. Highly recommended. Those with family members with TBI will find a lot of helpful advice here in the chapter-ending “Tips” sections. Anyone who is a parent will find that the narrative resonates. A moving story, compassionate and inspirational.” - Jennifer Chambers
“As I read this book, I was amazed at two things; one, the emotion and pain with which Dixie wrote the book, purely from the heart, and with no holds barred for her honest experience. It was very powerful – she said what most people think but would never share!!
Her “tips” after each chapter are going to be so welcome by people who are dealing with some of the same issues – as with most of us parents, when something happens to your child you crave information about what other people have experienced to help you deal with the situation. I have to believe that folks who have kids with severe injuries like Paul would be thrilled to have this book by their side to help them through the difficulties.
Dixie is obviously a very amazing person, as is her husband Steven, and all her children. But most amazing is Paul – I can’t get over his constant drive to beat the odds and to work hard to regain his life back – it’s a trait that everyone should be very proud of and that we all wish for our children and ourselves!
Once you start this book, you can’t put it down!” – Susan Hamblen
‘Dixie’s story is one that is painfully raw with emotion. Yet, at the same time, the journey is blended with hope and complete faith that Paul would survive the horrific accident. Dixie allows you to see into what life is like not only for the TBI patient, but for the family as well. The complete bond and faith of the Coskie family is evident and has provided them with the support needed to help Paul and the family heal.
The book offers helpful tips for anyone dealing with a TBI.” – A Huge Fan of the Coskie Family
From Back of Book
“Dixie Coskie was hit by a one-two punch that would have knocked most of us out of the ring. She remains standing, triumphant, ready to face whatever may come her way, with a story of hope and patience that will help others confronting unimagined challenges.” – Joel Herskowitz, MD, Pediatric Neurologist, Boston University School of Medicine
“Unthinkable gave me powerful insight and perspective, from the families’ point of view, into the depths of pain, fear, and the struggle of very difficult choices that need to be made…. this narrative is important for clinicians who treat patients with neurological injuries, like TBI, as well as for the families who have been touched by it, to remind us that the power of family can be the best medicine.” – Lisa Brown, Physical Therapist, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Boston
“Unthinkable will leave you reeling. You will tear through its pages—so searing, raw and full of desperate hope—breathless with the need to find out what happens to Dixie’s family. Their journey will inspire you to live life to the fullest, to fight for faith in the midst of unthinkable tragedy, and, above all, to never underestimate the power of love.” – Katrin Schumann, co-author of Mothers Need Time Outs, Too, McGraw-Hill, April 2008
“Unthinkable opened my eyes to the real and powerful emotions, hardships and obstacles that families face after traumatic brain injury and throughout recovery and the long rehabilitation process.” – Amy Pasternak, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Franciscan Hospital for Children
