The Mama Chronicles: Fractured not Broken

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A Real Life Story of Heroic Virtue

Parts of this memoir appeared on ESPN and in Rosie

Warsaw, Indiana

July 08, 2015

Award-winning and best-selling author, Michelle Weidenbenner, announces the release of Kelly Schaefer’s memoir, Fractured Not Broken.

Years ago, parts of Kelly’s story appeared on ESPN and in Rosie, but now Kelly reveals the rest of the story in her new book, Fractured Not Broken.

Nineteen-year-old Kelly had it all—a healthy and athletic body, a star basketball-player boyfriend, and a fun college life with close friends.

But everything changed when a drunk driver rendered her a quadriplegic.

Kelly was left with arms and legs that couldn’t move. She couldn’t walk, write, feed herself or comb her hair. When she thought she couldn’t lose anything more—her boyfriend left her, unwilling to endure a life with a quad.

Through her darkest days of loss and pain, her family and community gathered together to push her forward, to help her persevere. With their help, Kelly moved closer to God and toward a faith she’d never had.

“Miracles come in many obscure moments,” Kelly said. “I spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I prayed for, but that didn’t happen.

“Kristen Jongen’s quote says it all:

“‘My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined--untimely, unexpected, unpretentious--yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me.’"

Fractured Not Broken is a memoir of loss and faith, but it’s also a love story that sounds like fiction.

Review:

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an inspirational story everyone should read. It is very much a journey through Kelly's faith, but anyone and everyone can find inspiration through the story of her life. If you're feeling a bit down or are in the depths of depression please pick up a copy of this book.

Kelly wastes no time in getting into how her life was turned upside down. Being a mom myself now I cannot imagine the myriad emotions her mom Brenda went through that night. Having not one but two of her children involved in a horrific traffic accident... Just too much.

The manner in which Kelly's story is written is incredibly easy to follow and makes for a fairly quick read. I will say though, it is so intense you won't want to put it down. I was thoroughly immersed in the story. When Kelly was struggling through the first few months I couldn't help but be upset for her. Through the trials and all she persevered though.

My heart absolutely soared for her at the end of the story. I was grinning like a fool. I remember those feelings for myself at meeting the love of my life. The writing in this book really makes it incredibly easy to feel what Kelly was feeling.

This book has really helped me see those with disabilities in a new light. If my boys ask me questions about someone I tell them I don't know what happened to put that person in a wheelchair. Now maybe we'll approach the conversation differently. And this has also reaffirmed to me that my life is incredibly blessed. If Kelly can overcome the difficulties she deals with daily, I can certainly do the same with mine.

“Life has its tragic moments of defeat, setbacks, and fracturing for everyone. Kelly's story proves, however, that individual momentum, personal progress, and genuine achievement can still be attained. Her courage and optimism are uplifting. Open these pages and experience the joy of ultimate victory.” —Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Author of Jesus in All Four Seasons

“This book has been a true encouragement to me. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story— the loss and the unexpected joy— so that each reader can be uplifted knowing there is a full, rich life available to those who lean in to our Lord Jesus.” —Renee Bondi, Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter

“This is a real life story of heroic virtue—especially of courage, humility, and generosity—a triumph of faith, hope and love. This story involves the very essence of the human spirit, family, and community. To know Kelly and her journey of miracles is to know that with God all things are possible.” —Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

This book will fracture the paradigms of the goals and expectations we set for ourselves and others. Kelly’s words will change how readers think of people with disabilities and bring hope to readers who have lost faith in finding true love.

Weidenbenner’s other novels include Cache a Predator, Scattered Links, and an early chapter book series for girls called Éclair.

Kelly is a teacher, speaker, Young Life mentor and a Skittles lover. She brings fun to her classroom and inspires others every day with her faith and positive attitude.

Michelle, her aunt, feels blessed to be the one to write and share Kelly’s story. Although this is Michelle’s first nonfiction project, it was heart-felt inspired like her novels.