The Long Way Home

by Shauna Joas

Bryan Joas was an active forty-five year old man, with a wife and two children. He had been biking and racing since he was sixteen. On March 8, 2016, with predicted highs in the mid-sixties, Bryan had ridden his bike to work with the intention of taking the long way home to get in some training miles. About twenty-six miles into the ride home, he was struck from behind by a vehicle which fled the scene. Good samaritans found him. Authorities were notified and they determined Bryan needed to be airlifted to the Level I Trauma Center at North Memorial Health Hospital. His wife, Shauna, and their two children were at home finishing dinner and preparing for bed, when there was a knock on the door. They were shocked with the news that the police officers delivered in person.
This book is a graphic yet poignant memoir of Bryan's traumatic accident and his subsequent recovery journey as recounted by his wife. She details not only the journey of Bryan, but how she survived during this major upheaval in her family's life.

260 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2023

Reviews

[Morgan Lyberg]

So proud of my aunt for writing a book!! She did such an amazing job and it really captures everything her and Bryan had to face.

[Aaron Anderson]

This is an incredibly honest account of an inexplicable event. Shauna Joas keeps her readers immediately at her side as she tries to navigate the aftermath of her husband being very nearly killed by a hit and run driver. Her willingness to write about the most personal, difficult details of the ordeal are both brave and affecting. This openness engages the reader and gives the book great authenticity.

[Lisa Kahler]

Amazing book! I am from Chippewa, as well. Erica was a year behind me in school. Their family is one of incredible strength and resilience. I had read about Bryan’s journey on Facebook & CaringBridge at the time the accident happened. This book is brutally honest with what Shauna and her family went through—with a touch of lightheartedness at times. Beautifully written! Highly recommend this book. My copy is available to borrow.

[Courtney]

Incredible story of love and persistence. I live in the area and remember hearing about this accident. I'm so glad Bryan is alive and well.

[Ingrid Weddig]

Way to go, Shauna! Thanks for sharing your story and for all the daily reminders with inspiration!

[Erica]

Had to take my time with this one, it's a traumatic read and even more so as a wife, imagining what it would be like to go through what they did. Amazing amazing story.