No Such Thing As Can't (Book Review)

Today's book review is on No Such Thing as Can't by Lisa Sexton and Tyler Sexton.    Lisa and Tyler are a mother and son duo, and they both write from their hearts, sharing their experiences, struggles and the victories that have shaped their lives, as they've learned to live with Tyler's cerebral palsy.   The authors  start out each chapter with the phrase "I, (Lisa)" or "I, (Tyler)" so you know who is speaking, and which set of eyes you are looking through as you progress through the book.

Lisa, Tyler and other family members openly share about what's it's like raising a child with severe physically limitations, what it's like being that child, and how they chose to not let those limitations define them.   A lot of times, Christian books are written from the perspective that life is always sunshine and roses, and nobody had any questions or fears.  No Such Thing as Can't does not do that.  They are open with the times they struggled and how trusted in God, even when they didn't see the changes they wanted.

Lisa, as the primary care giver, shares candidly about her battle with depression and attempted suicide.   Tyler shares about his own fears and frustrations, bullying by peers and teachers and his refusal to give up.

Instead of becoming bitter towards people who taunted him, Tyler allowed himself to become compassionate towards the struggles of others, and decided to become a pediatrician.   He looked at what his own experience was as a child, and the doctor(s) who impacted him for the good, or the bad and decided to make noticeable changes for his patients.   Simple things like wearing superhero t-shirts instead of the standard white-coat instantly put kids at ease.

I love everything about this book; so much so that it went on my girls required reading list for the summer.  For those who think they have it rough, it's a good kick in the seat to see that you're only as limited as you allow yourself to be.  For those who maybe feel superior to someone with a disability, it's a clear eye opener to the error of that thinking.  Through it all, when sharing the hard times and the successes, the authors point the way back to God in a personal way.

About the Authors:

Dr. Tyler Sexton serves as chair of pediatrics and as a physician in hyperbaric medicine and wound care at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Since 2003, Tyler has also been an international motivational speaker, raising awareness about the adversity faced by people with disabilities and encouraging an attitude of achievement regardless of the disability or situation. He’s been featured in numerous books, articles, radio and television broadcasts, including ABCs 20/20, The 700 Club, The God Squad, Hour of Power, The Helpline, and Focus on the Family. His story has served as the basis for several episodes of the hit ABC television show, The Good Doctor.

In addition to being a certified hyperbaric wound specialist, a certified hyperbaric technologist, and a diver medic technician, Tyler also holds certificates of added qualification in hyperbaric medicine and wound care by the American Board of Wound Healing.

Tyler and his wife, Laura, have one daughter, and a son on the way. They live in Mississippi. More information about Tyler is available at www.tylersexton.com.

Lisa Sexton has been featured on Hour of Power, The 700 Club, and The Helpline, and has also contributed to the Focus on the Family magazine. Known by many as “Sweet Potato,” in her writing and speaking Lisa offers a mother’s personal insight into having a child with disabilities. From the initial fears of pregnancy to the heartache of being told your child isn’t “perfect,” Lisa addresses the blessings of motherhood and the challenges all mothers face on different levels.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.  I was not required to write a positive review, nor did I receive any form of compensation for my review.  The thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.