Read a book!

For the first time in ages I have been able to read a book, and complete it, without it being an audio book. Safe to say my lack of focus and concentration has been horrible for ages. The book I chose isn't much of a surprise, but when you do have an interest for something, or someone, you have to go with it. So I decided to read Hammond's book "On the Edge" out of curiosity really. I knew he'd crashed a jet car and sustained brain injury, but that was about it - and it's not a secret that I like the man, so reading his book would be a way to find out what he's like as a person. Of course the book had to be co-written with his wife since he spent a few weeks in a coma and another few weeks with the 20 second goldfish memory.

I read in another review that the book maybe was written too soon, and I can agree with that, a little more time and perspective might have made it even better. Neither are any of the authors "professionals", and that shines through, but I think they did a great job. I'm not sure I would've been able to write so openly, honestly and candidly about such a private and vulnerable time in my life. This book actually learned me a great deal about suffering a brain injury; it does sound like one of the scariest experiences imaginable. And it touched me much more then I initially thought, it was great to read about the love between Hammond and his wife, about their two girls Izzy (now 8) and Willow (now 5) and especially how Izzy coped with her beloved father being very ill and in a hospital for a very long time:

(Mindy Hammond writing)
"The second the lift doors closed, Izzy collapsed on to my legs and burst into uncontrollable sobs. I was on my knees with her in an instant. I swathed her in love, praised her bravery and was completely astounded by her. She instinctively knew how to help her beloved daddy. She was giving all her tiny body could muster for him, solely for him. At just six year old, she had been more thoughtful and caring than many adults would ever manage. She even composed herself, without any encouragement, so that by the time we reached the back door, some two minutes later, she would walk out and raise a hand to the windows high above, knowing hat Daddy was watching and waving as she walked to the car, encouraging her little sister to do the same.
... She's from a tough stable, that little girl, nurtured by love and honesty. And she believed me (that Richard would get better), and she believed in her father. She made Willow her responsibility, and I believe she determined to stay strong for her little sister, who didn't understand.
One day she'll know what she went through, marvel at her own journey and perhaps understand how she became the person she became. I only know this: a little girl decided of her own volition to become more then a daughter - if there could ever be a greater gift - she became, as Richard describer her, 'his mate'. She was understanding and strong, gentle and funny, mature yet childlike and, above all, completely our Izzy."