As I Am

A True Story of Adaptation to Physical Disability

De: Garret Lee Frey, Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot

Narrado por: Aaron Landon

In a single moment in time, Garret Frey was transformed from an active and energetic four-year-old to a quadriplegic, ventilator-dependent boy who struggled to make sense of a world in disarray. For seven years, Garret worked with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Karen Pirnot as Garret learned that his mental powers could help compensate for the loss of body function.

As I Am details the struggles of Garret's mother to advocate for a "normal" childhood education for her son in the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In order to be afforded a stimulating learning environment in the least restrictive environment, Garret's legal case went through a lengthy court process, ending in his appearance before the Justices of the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruling in Garret's favor set precedence for access to public education for thousands of handicapped children throughout the nation.

©2008 Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot & Garret Frey (P)2013 Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot & Garret Frey

A healthy approach to physical disability

I have recently been accepted as a volunteer for children 7-10 year olds. I feel like now, after listening to Garret’s storyI can understand them and their parents even more. I see them with lots of strengths and abilities that many of them aren’t able to see, and pray that in some way they will learn to become all that they are meant to be!

Powerful, Heartwrenching and Real

What did you like best about this story?

I particularly appreciated hearing a persons account who had met this disability at such an early age. As a nurse, I occasionally care for patients who have become disabled later in life or through disease. The book realistically portrays the many obstacles and hurdles each person in a family encounter. He is a true warrior and has gained great insight by force.

Have you listened to any of Aaron Landon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not and I am not a follower of the performer but seek to read for the content.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

The insight of a very young child who faced such a giant obstacle and was able to put it into words.

Any additional comments?

This was well written, insightful, raw, engaging and hope filled. A realistic account of what a child experiences and the toll that disability can have. God bless this author for he has certainly taken the time to touch lives.

Inspiring

What started as assigned reading for class turned into a book I could not stop listening to! Garret's journey was not only inspiring but it was precisely detailed and honest!