Red Stitches - Shelton LeAnn Sanders

The day that changed my life forever, my cousin Jason was operating one of those riding lawnmowers, cutting the grass on the hilly terrain at our grandmother’s house. He was at the bottom of a hill, headed up toward the house as my brother Bobby and I continued to run and play. As I ran around the back corner of the house, Jason had already started up the hill with the motor in high gear. Bobby hollered at Jason to stop because he knew I was running around the back of the house.

Too late.

Before either of us knew it, my right foot was caught under the mower, almost cutting off my right little toe. As I tripped, I held up my left arm to protect my head and that’s when the lawnmower splintered up my left arm at the elbow like a wood splitter. The lawnmower finally stalled but not until the blade severed my arm up to my left shoulder blade bone. I remember waking up in the hospital asking my mom, “Where’s my arm?”

I quickly learned that my injury would not and could not stop me from becoming a force to be reckoned with on the softball field as a pitcher, catcher, and outfielder. I eventually earned a spot in the Dixie Hall of Fame. People have said I do not understand the meaning of the word “can’t” and they’re absolutely right! I possess positive purpose and a resolve to conquer any challenge that presents itself.

A very special part of my journey has included reaching out to Bethany Hamilton, author of Soul Surfer, who lost her arm in a shark attack off the coast of Kauai, and Heaven Harris, an aspiring young softball player who at fourteen lost her right arm in an ATV accident. After hearing about their accidents, I reached out to both young ladies to encourage them that life was not over; indeed it was only beginning, simply with a new chapter title. Helping Heaven learn how to play softball with one arm has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

This book is about defeat and destiny and hope and tenacity. It’s about realizing all the wonderful things you can do with what you have. The part you are missing in your life can be either external or internal—the secret is to turn your scars into success.