Braced Quotes

“I guess when you don't have another choice, you have to make things happen for yourself, or they won't.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“I guess change is pretty scary. Even if it's the good kind.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Everything bad happened already, and it couldn’t have been worse, but you survived it. You’re on the other side.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“She got really pretty over the summer.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Are you listening, Rachel?” “Yes,” I say. “I’ll tell her the brace is your only priority.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Sometimes it’s easier to pretend to be someone else, especially when who you really are makes you sad.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“I feel bad for lying to them. We aren’t the kind of friends who keep secrets, but once I say it out loud, scoliosis won’t be this thing that only exists with Mom at the hospital. It will be part of me every day. And the brace won’t be over until I’m done growing. Whenever that is.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Rachel, Amy, good to see you both again,” Jules says. “Rachel, I’d like you to put this on.” She hands me a different stretchy tank top. “It’s sort of like an undershirt for your brace. You’ll want to wear one of these all the time to protect your skin.” “From what?” I ask. “The padding will rub against you at first. It takes some time for your skin to toughen up and adjust to the brace, but it will. Try not to use lotions or anything scented on your stomach.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Dr. Paul recommends that you don’t take your brace off for more than an hour, because of your family history and the quick progression of your curve, combined with the projected length of time between now and when you’re done growing.” “If Dr. Paul is not recommending it, we’re not doing it,” Mom says.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Dr. Paul has prescribed your brace for twenty-three hours per day.” I’m not sure I hear her right. No one said I’d have to wear it all day, even to school and while I’m sleeping. I look at Mom, but she nods her head like a puppet. “I can’t wear a back brace all day,” I say. “Yes, you can,” Mom says. “You have to, honey.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“But you had surgery and you’re fine,” I say. “I was really lucky, Rachel. There are big risks when you have a spinal fusion. The surgeons use metal rods and screws to straighten and fuse the vertebrae into a solid bone. You don’t want surgery unless you absolutely need it.” She grabs my hand and looks at me. Her eyes are welling up again. “I love you. And we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“A what? No. Mom, I don’t want a back brace.” I look at her. “I know you don’t, sweetheart.” She rests her hand on my shoulder, rubbing in slow, gentle circles. “I wish this wasn’t happening. But if Dr. Paul says you need a brace, then you do. We have to do everything we can right now to stop your curve from getting worse. This is your chance to avoid surgery.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“I guess when you don’t have another choice, you have to make things happen for yourself, or they won’t.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“Before bed, I make a new playlist. It’s a mix of anthems and fight songs that remind me there’s nowhere to go but up.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced

“I was counting on Dad to be on my side. I really need someone to get why I’m so sad, and it’s not going to be Mom.”
― Alyson Gerber, Braced