A ecurring idea in the book is surviving tragedy.
Joni Eareckson's life is shattered when a diving accident leaves her permanently paralyzed from the shoulders down. Although she goes through the stages of grief which one goes experiences when presented with such a life-altering tragedy—denial, anger, grief for the old life—eventually Joni accepts her fate. However, she does not allow herself to withdraw into the background and become a depressed, bitter person with no purpose or joy. Joni makes lemonade out of those lemons.