“Resurrecting Anthony” by Tony & Linda Cole Book Review + {Giveaway – Ends 4/29/11} (CLOSED)

A young boy, only 12 years old, athletic and in seemingly great health, suddenly collapses on the playground at school. He’s fighting for his life, and as a parent all you can do is stand by and watch. You hope, you pray, you learn everything you can and find anyone who can offer a glimmer of hope. This is the story that Tony & Linda Cole share about their family in “Resurrecting Anthony.”

“Resurrecting Anthony” is a heart-felt real like account from the parents of Anthony about his struggles from a tragic health problem. There are so many obstacles that this family faced with a son who needs constant care. They try to balance Anthony’s care, their daughter Alex’s needs, careers, their marriage, and their own struggles with the changes in their life. Sometimes life isn’t fair, but you have to learn to deal and cope with what you’re dealt. That’s what Tony & Linda Cole have tried to do.

The story of Anthony’s heart attack and subsequent health problems is scary for any parent to read. You can’t help but think about your own child and put yourself in the shoes of Anthony’s parents. I enjoyed that the book was written from Tony (the father’s) perspective. Not only is he concerned with the welfare and recovery of his son, but he also has much more to worry about- his wife, other children, and making money to keep the family business going. This is a story that you will enjoy reading. It will help you to see coping, loss, and learning to be satisfied with your family through hard times.

Linda Cole (the mother of Anthony) has also included some words of advice to families who find themselves in similar situations:

TEN COPING STRATEGIES FOR CRISIS
By Linda Cole, author
Resurrecting Anthony: A True Story of Courage and Destination


1. Recruit and accept help and emotional support through family and friends.  Do not try to weather the crisis alone.
2. Confide in your primary physician.
3. Be positive.  Be proactive.  Your attitude will contribute greatly to the outcome.  Educate yourself and be involved as much as possible.
4. Recognize that “This too shall pass.”  You will have a “normal” life again, although it may never be as it was.
5. Find your mental “get-away” for particularly traumatic moments.  Example: Envision yourself floating on calm water.  Block out all distractions and center yourself.
6. Focus on others.  Do not internalize.  Who else needs your help during this crisis?  How can you help those around you?
7. Stay busy.  This is a bad time to be idle.  Don’t sit home alone.
8. Exercise regularly.  Walk, run, bicycle thirty minutes every other day.  The endorphins released will help you mentally and emotionally.  Your sleep will improve.  Your body will be stronger and you will feel more in control.
9. Sleep.  Get a good night’s sleep.  Your body and brain need the recuperation times.  If you are exhausted, you will be less effective at a critical time.
10. Eat well.  Eat well-balanced meals, lots of fruits and vegetables, good proteins and complex carbohydrates.  Your body and mind are in a state of hyper-stress.  They need useful nutrients, not chemicals, processes and additives that sap your strength.
Finally, you will have moments that you can’t avoid.  Find a place; mine was in the closet, where you can really cry.  Let it come.  But set a limit, perhaps 4-5 minutes.  Afterward move on.  Do not dwell. 

GUIDELINES FOR PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS
AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
1. Try to work with the doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, social workers and case managers with a “team” type of mentality– use “we” instead of “you” or “I.”  Offer to help whenever possible.  Be polite and positive.
2. Listen carefully.  Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions or for clarification when you don’t understand something.
3. Take notes during all your phone interviews and meetings.  You will then be able to reference important names, phone numbers and dates at a later time.
4. If possible, use email when communicating, in person is not practical.  Copy yourself.  This allows you to keep a “paper” trail.  Email is also a good tool for summarizing a meeting, listing action steps and noting who is responsible for doing what and when.  The “Reply to All” option is an excellent way to keep a team informed and up to date.
5. Be persistent.  Follow up regularly to ensure your case is moving forward. If, as is sometimes the case, by the 3^rd call you still have not gotten an answer, start counting. “Hello, this is my 3^rd call, and I’m sure you must be busy but…” This technique works great as a gentle reminder and often gets results.
6. Be appreciative of the efforts these people make on your behalf.  They are often over-worked and underpaid.  Thank them regularly.
7. Try to be as actively involved as you can in your loved one’s therapy and patient care.
8. Look for any ways you can break up the routine or incorporate fun into these tasks – everyone’s morale can suffer from boredom and can benefit from a change in routine, no matter how small.
9. Regularly ask the advice of hospital and school personnel - your loved one will benefit greatly if you can tap into the experience and knowledge they have to offer.

Not only is this a book that every family can enjoy, but it offers hope to those who find themselves in similar situations. It always helps to have someone to relate to. The Cole’s don’t sugar-coat their experience, and I think that’s an even better way to share a story. So, check out “Resurrecting Anthony” by Tony & Linda Cole for yourself. And you have a chance to win your own copy here.


Prize – 1 copy of the book “Resurrecting Anthony” by Tony & Linda Cole

To Enter – Tell me what would keep you going through a tragedy in your life. 

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This giveaway is open now through Friday, April 29th. I will post the winner on Saturday, April 30th.

Open to USA & Canada only!


*Disclosure: I was not paid to post this, but a product was provided for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.*