Bethany spent miserable six days in a hospital room. Not only was the pain was bad, but she also never got to sleep. The nurses were always coming in to check the machines and see how everything was going. Her dad was also deprived of sleep. Her mom and dad never left her side except when dealing with reporters asking for the story of the attack. While in the hospital, Bethany told her dad that she wanted to be the best surfing photographer. This was her way of telling her dad that it would be unlikely that she would ever surf again.
Bethany soon changed her mind about surfing. Many people came to visit, bearing flowers and balloons. They all treated her differently because of her appearance. She quickly set them straight by telling then she was the same person she always was. She tried to stay positive but sometimes couldn't help to wonder why this was happening to her. On Sunday, her church came to the hospital, and they all prayed together. Their smiles and laughter brightened Bethany's mood.
The doctor brought good news when he stated that the list of what Bethany will not be able to do after the surgery is short, while the stuff she will be able to do is long. He attributed to her strong tolerance of pain. She had to have a second surgery and a blood transfusion for she wasn't replacing her own blood as well as she should. Physical Therapist came to visit Bethany to help her move on and deal with the changes her accident had caused. The room began to fill with flowers and balloons, they made garden of Eden and she gave some to one of Timmy's classmates who was also at the hospital. Bethany was ready to leave the hospital and was going crazy being stuck there.
She was finally able to go home on Wednesday. She found out that there was so many reporters at her house that she had to stay at a friend's house in Anahola Beach. When a nurse came to change the wrapping on her arm, it really surprised everyone. This was the first time they saw the arm since the accident. It was hard for the whole family to cope with. Timmy had a hard time adjusting and missed a lot of his senior year to be around to help and support her. Her parents couldn't work because they had to provide for her, and this put a financial burden on the family.
Bethany and her family meet with a blind psychologist, Paul Swigart. He helped them deal with everything that was happening meeting with Paul made Bethany realize that there were many people with disabilities. There was a cure for his blindness, but he can't afford it. Bethany realized he could get his sight back but she could never get her arm back. She decided to offer him some of the money she would receive at the benefit that was being planned for her. He declined the offer stating that he can actually do more not having his sight than he did with his sight, Bethany could not understand this. Now Bethany realizes that she too can do more with one arm than she did with two.
This book is very good. It really makes you realize what others have to go through and it makes you realize how lucky you are. It also shows you how great Bethany dealt with the situation she was in. I can relate to this because I to have felt like nothing was going my way. Once I looked at my life and the lives of other people around me, I realized how thankful I am for what I have and that many people actually do have it worse. I am very excited to keep reading the rest of the novel.
This is a picture of Bethany at the hospital after the attack. She tries to remain positive, but she wishes she is home.
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