Tommy Van Zandt's life changed forever on Feb. 7, 2009, when a horrendous accident left him near death and paralyzed below the neck. In the blink of an eye, Van Zandt's fierce independence vanished and his battle to live and to overcome began.
Van Zandt's brother-in-law, friend and business partner, Mark Saviers, has written a candid and compelling account of Tommy's ordeal. This thoughtful, well-written book is titled "Flipped" and includes reflections by Tommy and his remarkable wife and primary caregiver, Robyn. The book chronicles Van Zandt's courage, patience and perseverance, which made it possible for him to undauntedly endure all that he faced, and it recounts the myriad of ways in which his family, friends, doctors, nurses and caregivers stepped up to meet the formidable challenges arising from his accident.
From the dust-jacket of the book: "When Tommy Van Zandt fell from a ladder, it didn't just flip his world--it flipped the world of everyone around him. In an instant, a 49-year-old man who seemed to have it all--a loving wife, two wonderful sons, a thriving business, a beautiful home and a close-knit extended family--found himself immobile on the ground, his neck broken, and his next breath very much in doubt. He was certain death was at his door.
"'Flipped' tells the story of how God helped Tommy survive and then thrive, while also working in and through the lives of Tommy's friends and family. What they found was something unexpected--that the greatest blessings of life aren't always delivered as the answer you sought in deep, sincere prayer. This is truly a story of faith, family, friends and community coming together to create triumph over tragedy."
Life comes at us each day and none of us knows for sure what today or tomorrow will bring. We hope for the best but understand life can be hard, that bad luck is random and bad things happen to good people far too often. Sometimes we are dealt a dreadful hand. Van Zandt sure was. If life was always fair, he would still be walking instead of confined to a wheelchair. Yet, Tommy stands tall in the game of life. For nine years now, he and his family have given others a shining and inspirational example of how to respond to profound adversity. They have kept the faith and stayed the course.
Finding strength through the power of love and prayer, the Van Zandt family didn't get bitter; they just got better. Refusing to fade into perpetual sadness due to the gravity and complexity of their reality, they chose to confront every obstacle with hope and determination, embracing the most precious gift of all--life itself.
In the book, Tommy and Robyn write: " We all get stuck in life from time to time ... Something bad happens--something we do or something happens beyond our control--and we get knocked for a loop. Our life gets flipped. We get frustrated and angry ... We get drawn into that dark place where moving forward, just taking one step, seems like the most impossible thing on earth. We become paralyzed by our pride or our fears. Unable to function effectively. Unable to move in a positive direction. Powerless to act for the good of ourselves or others. Scary becomes our constant reality. Thankfully, here's the greater reality: There is always a way forward... No matter how your life has been flipped, you can get up, you can move on, and, most of all, you can experience the joy and peace that God provides. This book tells our family's story, and, yes, it's a story of tragedy and paralysis. But most of all, we believe it's a story of surrender, faith and hope--gifts from God that have sustained us and continually shine through the darkness in the lives of our friends, family and community ... Tragedy is not a journey we should ever take alone. When we take it with loved ones and friends and, most of all, with God, then courage is always within our reach and giving up is never an option. The tragedy is no less real, no less painful, but the tragedy never wins. So, no matter what type of tragedy you face--no matter what form of paralysis is taking a grip on you physically, emotionally, or spiritually--we hope this book will give you the courage, faith, and hope to live in the grace and joy of God."
Having read the book, I highly recommend it to all. It's a testament to the human spirit.
"Flipped" is for sale at this website: flippedstory.com. It's also available for purchase at the Washington Regional Medical Center gift shop. All book sales go toward The Van Zandt Family Trust with proceeds to be used for Tommy's continuing care.
Commentary on 02/15/2018