By David Schneer, Author of Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified – Toward a Deeper Understanding of Qualitative Research
3-Minute Read
Christmas Eve Assault: A Life Altered in an Instant
“I looked up—stunned and incredulous that I had been body-slammed into the carpet with such force that my spine cracked like a popsicle stick. That was Christmas Eve 2015. I tried to intervene in a family argument, but it was like stepping into the middle of a knife fight in a phone booth. In addition to landing on the floor, I was also kicked and heaved back-first into an entryway wall. The impact left a perfect indentation of my ventral side.” – Excerpt from Backbone: Surviving the Road Less Quantified
This moment changed my life. The physical injuries led to five spinal surgeries, but the experience also pushed me to confront trauma in a way I never expected. It became a turning point for me, shaping my understanding of resilience and what it truly means to rise above adversity.
The Lasting Effects of Trauma
My personal experience mirrors the broader conversation about domestic violence and trauma today. The physical scars eventually heal, but the emotional and mental imprints remain. We must recognize these lasting effects as they continue to impact lives long after the initial event.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Instead of letting that night define me, I used it as fuel to push forward. At Merrill Research, we’ve worked to uncover the unspoken truths that help us understand people on a deeper level. Resilience—both in our work and our lives—is something we must honor and nurture. It’s what drives us to make a meaningful impact.
If this story resonates with you, I invite you to explore my book, Backbone, where I delve deeper into the lessons I’ve learned about resilience. If the book speaks to you, I would be grateful if you could leave a review and share how it touched you.