The Other Side of Reason

“David Gibson’s reality was altered in a moment on September 18, 2013. His eloquent and poignant requiem chronicles his efforts to re-orient himself to a world whose boundaries and reference points abruptly disappeared…he chronicles his experiences   in a way that helps us understand the hidden struggle of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.”— Dr. Larry Cebulski, clinical psychologist.

For David, healing comes in the raw, personal and deeply intimate journals of life after everything changed. We are privileged to be given a glimpse into his personal, daily struggle; the anger, doubt, fear, confusion and the impact it has had on the ones he loves most. The courage that comes from his experience may be David's 'meaning', or at least the beginning of it, unfolding for him. If his experience can spark an understanding about trauma, and open a dialogue to others who also never expected to have to deal with it, perhaps the train may be silenced. The reality is, that it may never be, that is the sad irony of healing, sometimes the journey is life long, what we do with it to regain power can define us, and sometimes that power becomes our greatest gift." - Peggy Taillon His challenge to accept and not judge his struggle is articulated in a clear and concise manner as he reveals his feelings and lets us all into his life. Thank you, David." - Wendy Talbot "This is an intimate and candid portrait of the raw emotional wounds created by sudden and shattering trauma. David's poetry and reflections over many months capture, with palpable authenticity, the anguish and burden of a survivor. We see glimpses of a man grappling with a surrounding world which, by its normalcy and relenting ordinariness, is paradoxically and unyieldingly hurtful and alienating. Readers have the unique privilege of sharing elements of an unimaginable journey through this remarkable and powerful collection." - Isra Levy While David's writing illustrates the early days in the construction of this bridge from his head to his heart, I am filled with admiration for his courage, because like all bridges, his is not meant for just one journey, and through sharing his story, he removes any toll for others to walk this bridge with him." - Robert Walsh This narrative of his painful journey lights a path for others dealing with trauma. His reflections are truly those of a wounded healer." - Jack McCarthy You have already conquered more then what most will ever have to in this lifetime." - Luc Fournier Through this reflective journal, he takes us on this journey along with him. We feel his pain, his hurt and then his search for some meaning and hope that he will be whole again. This process makes us, the readers, more understanding of people who have been through trauma." - Hersh Sehdev "In this compelling and easy-to-read book, David Gibson shares in an honest and courageous manner how he has coped with the aftermath of being a passenger on a commuter bus involved in a tragic accident. The book is a must-read for trauma survivors and those close to them, mental health professionals, and anyone else interested in understanding the powerful impact of trauma in a person's life. It brings to light in a personal and in-depth manner the daily challenges associated with surviving and making sense of a traumatic event, something many of us will encounter during our lifetime". - Tim Aubry "David has written a powerful description of the journey through trauma from an intensely personal perspective. It opened my eyes to the pain and uncertainty that was hidden below the surface that was visible to me. I wished my friend could have talked to me about what he was going through. I wished that I could have found a way to reach out to him. His writing has opened my eyes and I hope it will help others to understand the impact of tragic accidents on the survivors." "When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him." (Euripides) - George Acton David's narrative opens wide a window into his changed world and new reality, sharing his pain, anger, uncertainty and emptiness, as well as his incredible courage, love and hope. I am profoundly grateful to David for giving me the opportunity to glance through this window." - Eric Crighton