It Rained in the Desert

One Woman's Story of Spirit and Resilience

By: Jocelyn Dettloff

Narrated by: Jocelyn Dettloff

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The unexpected can be a gift that teaches us who we are and what we can be.

On Sunday, April 13, 1997 Jocelyn's life abruptly changed within a matter of seconds. As a free-spirited, unsettled woman, she travelled across the globe seeking adventure and purpose, returning home just long enough to earn enough money for the next trek. While in Namibia, Africa as a part of a three month, sub-Saharan camping trip, Jocelyn broke her back in a sledding accident and was instantly paralyzed—permanently. While unsought and unwanted, it was an adventure, and one of high stakes. Jocelyn had a choice—would she embrace this full on as she did other challenges or withdraw and let life pass her by?

While surviving an accident thousands of miles from home has its own merit, the real grit and depth of her story comes from how she created a new way of truly living. Moving on and not dwelling on the "why", while by no means easy, is a powerful decision anyone experiencing a life-altering event can make. Through struggle, grief and anger were all part of the journey, her family, friends and faith helped Jocelyn create a new life. Listen to her gripping story filled with tragedy, humor, joy and adventure.

©2013 Jocelyn Dettloff (P)2023 Jocelyn Dettloff

The calm bravery is what takes the spotlight.

I'm proud that I can claim Jocelyn as a friend of mine. She truly is a great person. This story is real and true to who she is. She embellished nothing.

Advocate for me!

Jocelyn, when you first told us (friends & acquaintances) you were putting your story in a book I thought, "that is going to be a fascinating read." For me, your book drove home the fact that it is indeed, the little things that are most important. If ever I want to drive home the power in the words ITS.THE.LITTLE.THINGS, it was when you were trapped in St. Stephen's basement story! That story was for me alone.

"Die hard advocacy is sometimes pure selfishness" to use your words...If I am ever in need of advocacy, I want the person who has lived through an injustice to advocate for me. Because that person is most passionate about a thing. Is there anyone more suited to advocate for the marginalized than those who have lived through it?

Your book was excellent. The way you tell a story drew me in and kept me. I love that you read it yourself (I went through Audible). You knew exactly how to pause to give emphasis on a point. I think everyone could benefit from hearing the story of your journey. I feel like it informs us of how to act with wheelchair bound or otherwise disabled people. Moreover, you managed to tap every single emotion inside of me...I cried, I wept, I laughed, I belly laughed, I nodded in agreement, I nodded hard in agreement, I danced. You shared all of yourself. You left nothing out. It was like you gave us full access to your heart. It is my honor to experience your story.