I had the pleasure of meeting Nic Emmerson and his dad, Roger, this week. Nic emailed me a couple of weeks ago. His email began like this:

Hello Deb, 

My name is Nic Emmerson and I am 20 years old and I am interested in learning about writing books for children and young adults.

In January 2012 I had a very serious motor vehicle accident and it has left me unable to walk or talk. I was in Royal Perth and Shenton Park Hospitals for just over 12 months and now communicate with my iPad.

Last year I decided to write a book documenting my hospital and recovery journey to give to my nurses, family and close friends. My book “No Limits” has inspired me to continue writing but I have decided I would like to learn some basic book writing skills.

I knew I had to meet Nic. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found a happy, funny young man who is, despite these setbacks, super positive, and incredibly good at communicating.

Nic gave me a copy of his book, No Limits, which he wrote and put together:

Through words and photos, No Limits tells the remarkable, inspiring story of Nic’s recovery. Immediately after his accident, Nic’s family was told that he might be a vegetable. I can’t imagine how much joy it must bring them, then, to watch Nic, only two years later, go riding on his purpose-built trike, or attend a dress-up party with mates, and generally enjoy life. No Limits is full of photos of Nic smiling and laughing while doing physio, before going in to surgery, hanging out with his family and friends, and going riding on his trike.

As a mum, I was both moved and inspired to meet Nic and his dad. They are champions. Here’s a photo of me and Nic after he’d downed a vanilla milkshake:

Thanks, Nic and Roger, for inviting me to meet you both and share a small part of your journey. Rock on, Nic!