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"With Hodge’s calm,
stoic demeanor, it’s hard to imagine all that this young man went
through to become the role model that he is today. Truth is stranger
than fiction, which is clearly demonstrated in Chum Water. Can’t wait
for the sequel."
~ Sharon Sanderson, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor Emeritus,
Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, and President, Oklahoma
Occupational Therapy Association
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"Hodge Wood was
a handsome young man with a passion for football, water skiing and
beautiful women when an accident changed his life forever.
Inspiring, funny and charming, Chum Water is the story
of how Hodge tackled disability, medical setbacks and love with a
joy and intensity that puts the rest of us to shame. A fantastic
read!" ~
Joyce Faulkner, Author of "In the Shadow of Suribachi"
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“Hodge Wood’s book, Chum Water, can only be described as
an incredible and riveting account of a young man who, at the peak of
his physical ability, faced life-altering adversities and survival
following a tragic vehicle accident that damaged his spinal cord and
left him paralyzed. Chum Water is a beautiful, fascinating and, at
times, humorous portrayal of Hodge’s uncanny fortitude to escape total
dependency on others through conquering disabilities in his ‘new life’
and becoming an occupational therapist dedicated to helping and giving
hope to others. A must read for everyone!”
~ Lloyd A. King, award-winning author of, “From ‘Nam With Love - An
Infantry Soldier’s Vietnam” … poetic war stories about combat.
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"Chum Water
is a contemporary masterpiece. Hodge has been my friend since we
wrestled together each weighing 60 pounds. His life story with its ups
and downs makes you laugh, cry, squirm and applaud. Obviously, this is
a common man with uncommon problems, yet the intestinal fortitude to
slay the dragons in his path. When the neurosurgeon said you will never
walk again, Hodge had a choice to make. He chose to ignore the
negativity of his life and realize that God had something more important
for him...I
highly recommend this book to anyone who has had a ‘crisis’ in his
life. So that through Hodge’s example, we will know that God exists and
has a purpose for each of us." ~ John Powers Clemons, M.D., Midwest Regional Medical Center, Midwest
City, Oklahoma
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"BRAVO!!! Great
Story. I knew the Big Picture, but now that I know the details, I am
certainly impressed. I always felt that if anyone could recover from
such a devastating injury, it is Hodge Wood. Hodge is the most positive individual that I know
and I have to believe that this attitude played a major role in his
recovery. He has the rare knack of making you feel that you are worth a zillion bucks. The world would be a much better place if there
were more folks like Hodge!" ~Russ Tribble MCHS BOMBER Football Teammate,
Arkansas Razorbacks 1975 SWC Champs, College/HS Football Coach
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"Chum
Water is an intriguing story of a young man at the peak of
physical prowess who is involved in an accident that leaves him
totally helpless and completely at the mercy of others. In his
struggles for survival, Hodge experiences the worst and the best of
the VA health care system. As he navigates the system, he is
stripped of his dignity and self respect until a PA becomes aware of
his situation and takes charge. Through the care and friendship of
Mike Kuns -- and the courage and determination of Hodge himself, we
see a life transformed from one of complete helplessness to one who
would become an occupational therapist and devote his life to giving
help and hope to others." ~ Eddie R. Beesley, Author of Lucky Enough
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"Amazing! I couldn't put it down! A journey
through spiritual, physical and mental rehabilitation and growth. I
loved every bit of it…even the painful parts. I experienced every
emotion one could have – sadness, empathy, joy, laughter, anger -
and could relate to so much because those were my times too!"
~Janet
Eskridge, Registered Physical Therapist
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"I have read Hodge Wood’s book Chum Water with
much interest. As a quadriplegic myself, Hodge’s book gives the reader
a glimpse into the life of someone whose life has been battered but not
beaten. Someone who was independent and at one time thought of
themselves as 10 feet tall and bulletproof, but now has to rely on
others. Someone though disabled, not unable. Someone, whose life has
been changed 180 degrees, but still has, hopes and dreams, never stop
hoping, and never stop dreaming. To sum up my view and to interject a
couple of quotes is “where there’s a will there is a way” and “I have a
dream”. ~ Bill Kokendoffer, President, Mid America Chapter,
Paralyzed Veterans of America
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"Chum Water is an absolutely
mesmerizing account of a man losing his life as he knew it only to
become a whole man through learning how to live again after a tragic
spinal cord injury and paralysis. As a speech-language pathologist
working in a rehab setting for over 30 years, Hodge’s story of courage
and determination touched me to the depths of my soul. I will never
treat another patient quite the same again. Knowing Hodge in our early
formative years through high school and keeping in touch briefly through
the years, I had no idea the challenges he faced. My heart swells with
pride and admiration for him as I read his brilliant and amazing tale of
how he met his demons and conquered them through sheer strength, belief
in himself and his faith in God." ~
Jeanette Winkcompleck Clemons, MA CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist,
Midwest Regional Medical Center, Midwest City, Oklahoma
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