From Wheels to Walkin': When everything crashed, I moved forward. Survival was never enough, I kept fighting. - Paperback

by Michael Fernandes (Editor), Maggie Parker (Author)

A pickup truck stole half of my leg. It never got my life.

On August 22, 2020, my husband Felix and I had pulled over during a motorcycle ride to put on our rain gear. Moments later, one careless driver changed our lives forever.

In seconds, the life we were building became a life we had to fight for.

Multiple surgeries. Poked with needles everywhere until I looked like a sewing pincushion. My left leg was gone, same as my independence.

Then came the hardest part. Not learning to walk again. Learning to believe that my life was far from over.

This isn't a story about giving up. It's about refusing to let tragedy write my final chapter. If we were sitting across from each other having coffee, this is exactly how I'd tell you my story.

I wrote this book exactly the way we lived it. No filters. No sugarcoating. Some days you'll feel my pain. Other days, you'll laugh at me just like I did. Every single word is my truth. I wasn't fearless. I was trying to survive in a world I knew nothing about. Just one stubborn woman fighting to get her life back.

Whether you're facing loss, illness, disability, grief, or simply one of life's unexpected detours, I wish my journey reminds you that your story isn't over. There is still life to live, joy to find, and victories waiting to be celebrated, even when they look different than you imagined.

I didn't survive because I was stronger than everyone else.

I survived because every single day, I chose to get back up.

If this book leaves you believing in yourself just a little more than when you opened it, then every word was worth writing. I hope it plants a seed. A seed of hope. A seed of courage. A seed of belief that no matter what life throws at you, something beautiful can still grow.

Welcome to our journey. Grab a coffee, or something stronger. No judgment here. Get comfortable, and let me tell you our story. I have a feeling you'll find pieces of yours in it. I hope that by the time you turn the last page, you'll feel like we've known each other for years.

I'm honored to share it with you.

Maggie