The Gift of a Day

Book excerpt: Some of life's most treasured gifts at first may seem like nothing short of bad luck. Just ask professional athlete Jeff Glasbrenner, the author of the inspiring new memoir, The Gift of a Day. At the young age of eight years old, fate threw him an unexpected curve when a farm accident suddenly left him as an amputee. And, what's even more surprising about this traumatic event is that the author counts that fateful day as one of the most blessed days of all his years. Now a widely acclaimed motivational public speaker, Glasbrenner shares his journey from injured farm boy to wheelchair basketball Paralympic and triathlete. Spanning athletics, family history, and more, The Gift of a Day outlines twelve days that he chose to view as gifts rather than low points. Starting with a childhood accident that took his leg, recalling the frustration, shame, and defeat that followed the event. From there, he shares his mother's courage in refusing to fetch him a Coke; his college introduction to wheelchair basketball; his move to Spain; his despair of having not finished the Ironman triathlon in Kentucky and meeting his wife. Through fatherhood, triathlons, illnesses, and the loss of loved ones, the book demonstrates how the darkest days emerged to strengthen his resolve, and deepen his character.In the end, these attributes resulted in his becoming a Wheelchair Basketball World Champion, a three-time Paralympian, Paralympic Games Bronze Medalist, and winner of multiple Ironman competitions competing as a physically challenged athlete. Written to remind all of us that we have a choice to take the gifts that are given to every day of our lives, The Gift of a Day enables anyone to learn to recognize them as the gifts they are and to embrace them. It's a must for anyone who can benefit from the author's proven belief that, with the right perspective and commitment, life's events can manifest in extraordinary, meaningful ways.