A Random Act

February 28, 2005
As Broaddus was driving on an Oklahoma highway one morning in June 2001, an unknown attacker threw a gallon of acid from an overpass that crashed through Broaddus's windshield, severely burning most of her body. The story of Broaddus's recovery—part memoir, part motivational missal—is homey and heartfelt. The author, sister-in-law of Dr. Phil McGraw (who writes the foreword), almost died from the burns. In typical self-help fashion, she explains how she went about healing: "First, I decided what kind of survivor I would choose to be. Second, I made the choice to heal from the inside out. And finally, I chose what to do with the rest of my life." As her book reveals, Broaddus had already trained herself to endure tough odds: a single mother, she raised three daughters and put them through college, supplementing her income by delivering papers, mowing lawns and baby-sitting. She also developed a fighting spirit that was vital to her recovery (aided by much love, support and prayers). Most impressive was her almost immediate decision to forgive her attacker, freeing her energy to concentrate on healing. Although Broaddus's many passages on love and prayer may overdose general readers, her determination and unassuming compassion will encourage those facing major crises. Photos. Agent, Jan Miller.