Such a good story. I will admit I have put off reading this book because I was afraid it would bring up too many sad memories of my own. However, even if it is emotional, it is an excellent book.
Ben Utecht was a football player for most of his life. He started out throwing the football in the backyard with his dad and then went on to have a career in the NFL. During this time he suffered several serious concussions. This books talks about the decisions he made, with the team staff, after each injury. These concussions have left him with traumatic brain injury and he is losing memories.
This book was written as a love letter to his family. I would say he shared his memories but most of the memories had to be told to him by family and friends. He talked about the difference in addressing concussions as to when a person injured his knee, at least in the past. With the knee the can take MRIs or Xrays to see how the person is progress but for head injuries. All the prayers are put under great pressure to play through concussions or risk losing their position on the team. Players relied on pain medication to get through many of the games. All this did was mask the pain while the players made the injuries worse by competing.
I love how Utecht would rely on his faith each day to help him make decisions and to guide him along his path. When he wrote and recorded a video of his song to his girls God told him to wait to publish it. When he did it was presented to a welcoming world where they could see another side of what he is facing.
I cannot begin to talk enough about this book. It is inspirational. I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
Utecht’s faith shines in this book. He is very honest and humble in retelling his story. He includes his shortcomings. His mom reminds him often that if he trusts God he won’t have anything to worry about. That is the crucial issue for Ben and for us. Will we trust God when things are bleak? When He doesn’t heal? When we don’t get the job or position we’re hoping for? Knowing that He is in control, especially when times are hard, can give so much hope and peace if we will trust Him.
I would highly recommend this book. It is a poignant memoir as well as a warning gong about the dangers of concussions and brain injuries. Thank you to Howard Books and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not required to make it positive. All opinions are my own.
