Refined by Fire or Meltdown

Refined by Fire: A Family's Triumph of Love and Faith: A Soldier's Story of 9-11

Author: Brian Birdwell

When hijacked American Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, LTC (RET) Brian Birdwell was only 15 to 20 yards away. He stepped out into the corridor and was instantly engulfed in flames—burns consumed 60 percent of his body, with almost 40 percent of them third-degree. Thirty-plus operations and countless physical therapy sessions later, his recovery has truly been remarkable, and spiritually he and his family are stronger than ever before. Brian and his wife, Mel, tell their captivating story of God's grace and sovereignty.

Publishers Weekly

Using vivid first-person narration, the Birdwells describe how Brian suffered second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body when terrorists crashed a jet into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and how the family's Christian faith brought them through Brian's recovery. Birdwell spent three months in the hospital, enduring more than 30 surgeries, daily debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue) and physical therapy. Details set this book apart. The Birdwells relate Brian's horrific injuries and treatments in a way that might turn some stomachs. They also expose their own shortcomings: Mel feels guilty about leaving her son and berates some hospital staffers, while Brian expresses anger toward the terrorists. Such confessions lend credence to the Birdwells' belief that only a sovereign God could bring them through their ordeal.

Publishers Weekly

Using vivid first-person narration, the Birdwells describe how Brian suffered second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body when terrorists crashed a jet into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and how the family's Christian faith brought it through Brian's recovery. Birdwell spent three months in the hospital, enduring more than 30 surgeries, daily debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue) and physical therapy. The account alternates between the perspectives of husband and wife, and also incorporates the experiences of their son, Matt. The technique works well throughout; it is most gripping when Brian faces death alone in a flaming hallway and when Mel scrambles through gridlocked traffic to get to the hospital. Details set this book apart. The Birdwells relate Brian's horrific injuries and treatments in a way that might turn some stomachs (skin coming off with his wedding ring, a staph infection that covered his body with green pus). They also expose their own shortcomings: Mel feels guilty about leaving her son and berates some hospital staffers, while Brian expresses anger toward the terrorists. Such confessions lend credence to the Birdwells' belief that only a sovereign God could bring them through their ordeal. This memoir's striking descriptions of the Birdwells' pain, failures and faith against the backdrop of 9-11 will fascinate many readers. (July 4) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Table of Contents:

Contents

Foreword by Major General R. L. Van Antwerp........................xi
Introduction: A Day We'll Never Forget.............................xiii
Chapter One Death Blow............................................1
Chapter Two Road to Survival......................................11
Chapter Three The Lone Casualty at Georgetown.....................25
Chapter Four The Transfer.........................................43
Chapter Five The Day After........................................55
Chapter Six No Rest for the Weary.................................65
Chapter Seven Unconsciousness Is Bliss............................75
Chapter Eight What Happened?......................................85
Chapter Nine Aftereffects.........................................95
Chapter Ten Previous Pain.........................................105
Chapter Eleven Tough Questions....................................119
Chapter Twelve Pressing On........................................127
Chapter Thirteen Moving to Step-Down..............................133
Chapter Fourteen Waiting on God...................................147
Chapter Fifteen Going Home........................................157
Chapter Sixteen The Media.........................................165
Chapter Seventeen Learning through the Pain.......................171
Chapter Eighteen Going Back.......................................179
Chapter Nineteen Reaching Out.....................................187
Chapter Twenty Where Was God?.....................................197
Chapter Twenty-One Looking Ahead..................................207
Acknowledgments....................................................217
Photo Credits......................................................219
Resources..........................................................221
Scriptures for Comfort.............................................223
Face the Fire Ministries, Inc......................................227
About the Authors..................................................229

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