Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Joni's two close male friends, Dick and Jason, have disparate reactions to Joni's accident. Dick tries to be positive. He tells her that God is working in her life, leading her down His path. Jason begins to lose faith in God, telling Joni she needs to fight to get better and not attribute it to an act of God. In the hospital, the doctors order Joni to have a myelogram procedure. Joni's spinal fluid is drained and replaced temporarily with dye. She is turned upside down and placed in other various positions during the process. Joni winds up with a severe headache after the grueling process and remains sedated for several days.

Dr. Sherrill tells Joni and her parents that she will never be able to attend college. He tells her the most difficult hurdle ahead of her is a psychological...