Unshattered ― Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life

On June 10, 2008, Carol Decker walked through the hospital doors a healthy woman with flu-like symptoms and early labor contractions. Three months later, she returned home a blind, triple-amputee struggling to bond with a daughter she would never see.

Unshattered: Overcoming Tragedy and Choosing a Beautiful Life recounts Carol's fight for survival against sepsis and its life-shattering complications. From excruciating skin grafts to learning how to function in daily life without lower legs, a left hand, and her sight, Carol takes us on a personal and raw, yet inspiring journey. She travels through the darkness of trauma, anxiety, and depression to arrive, literally, at the peak of a mountain with a heart full of gratitude and love. More than a story of triumph over tragedy, the book offers inspiring life-lessons and insights which can help readers to do more than endure unimaginable pain and darkness in their own lives. This book can give them the perspective and strength to pick up the pieces of their own tragedies and choose a life of healing, purpose, and joy--a beautiful life.

Lessons learned:

1. There is always hope, even if it sometimes feels small and hard to find.
2. Even if you are the most capable person, you can't do this life alone. We all need a support system. It is okay to ask for help.
3. Happiness takes work. It doesn't just happen.
4. The human spirit is able to endure and withstand great adversity.
5. Even the smallest broken pieces of a life can be put back together.

Carol J. Decker survived sepsis while pregnant with her second daughter, resulting in multiple amputations and complete blindness. She travels across the nation as a motivational speaker, speaking at colleges, universities, churches, and hospitals. She hopes to share by example that anyone can choose a beautiful life and that with an optimistic attitude, the right perspective, and determination anything is possible.

Stacey L. Nash is a freelance writer who focuses on parenting, faith, and personal development. She’s studied classical vocal performance for 15 years and loves to share her passion for music. She spends her spare time with her husband, chasing after four rambunctious children on a 40-acre piece of heaven.