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Book Review Archives
Title: Stepping Over Myself
Author: Ayis A. Caperonis
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Copyright: 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1438946023
Genre: Autobiography
Book Size: 144 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Author House
Amazon
Also available for Kindle
Ayis Caperonis had an idyllic childhood. The oldest of six children, he was born in beautiful Lausanne, Switzerland, and was developing into quite an admirable athlete. Not surprising, given his heritage--a father who competed for Switzerland as a swimmer in two Olympics.
Even as a young boy, Ayis had his eyes on a future in sport, specifically on the pro-tennis circuit, and was already looking forward to all the benefits associated with such fame. He never for a second doubted he could achieve that success, but in 1988, life took a dramatic turn and those dreams were forever dashed.
For at least three years prior to that, Ayis suffered from what his doctor diagnosed as migraines. He was given medication and basically sent on his way. The once active boy was suddenly unable to cope with much of life. Even travel was unbearable as the vibration of the car would trigger headache attacks. Ayis became withdrawn and found himself "living on the edge of life."
As his condition worsened, particularly after waking one morning unable to speak coherently, his father took him to another doctor for a second opinion. However, that doctor confirmed the earlier diagnosis of migraines. Although his father was placated by this, young Ayis knew there had to be more to it. Sadly, he was right.
In 1988, the family moved to France, where Ayis's headaches became worse, to the point where he was seeing double. With this new symptom, his parents felt sure their son's problem must be vision related and took him to see an Ophthalmologist. Dr. Grandjean's diagnosis was dire. Ayis had an enormous hemorrhage at the back of his eye which could burst at any time. The doctor felt certain this was caused by a large brain tumor.
Ayis was rushed to hospital in Switzerland where groundbreaking surgery was performed to remove an orange-sized tumor that was thoroughly enmeshed in his brain. Such an operation had never been performed before and his chances of survival were rated as very low.
The 13-year-old did survive, but the doctors warned his parents not to expect much as far as his overall recovery. They felt sure his student days were over forever, and it would be years before he could walk--if at all. Swimming was completely out of the question.
The rest of Stepping Over Myself is a very honest account of the ongoing battle Ayis had, largely within himself, as he continued to push himself beyond the limits the doctors had given him. As an adult, Ayis firmly believes there is a strong link between the psychological and physical. His original illness began, he believes, following the unexpected death of his beloved grandfather. Throughout the telling of his story, Ayis also recognizes that each time he fell back in his progress it was always related to a time when he had fallen back psychologically as well.
The title of this book is incredibly apt, as Ayis literally did have to step over his disabilities to be able to press forward and become the man he was meant to be. His perseverance, even to the point of becoming a part of the swim team at College, is inspiring.
I have read other articles by Ayis Caperonis at FaithWriters.com, and in those articles he gives glory to God for guiding and strengthening him. However, Stepping Over Myself is not written from a specifically Christian point of view, and definitely was not written with a Christian market in mind. As such, there are a few aspects of his story that some Christian readers may find mildly offensive. However, these are very small things and should not detract from the inspiring message Ayis brings to all those who have ever suffered a major setback in life (or even a small one, for that matter).
Stepping Over Myself is a story still in the making. Now in his 30's, Ayis has a whole lot of life ahead of him. The challenges may still come his way, but he is alive--against all odds--and is making the very most of every day.
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