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What began as a peaceful family hike in Ohio’s picturesque Hocking Hills turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. 

Melissa Harris, a mother of three young children, set out on the trail with her family on what seemed like a perfect day in 2020. But in an instant, the ordinary turned unthinkable when a massive tree branch came crashing down, striking her youngest daughter, Mia, on the head. 

In the chaos that followed, time seemed to stop. Harris, a 2002 graduate of Cedarville’s athletic training program, watched helplessly as her daughter’s life hung in the balance — her training no match for the fear and heartbreak of a mother facing the unimaginable. 

Now, five years later, Harris is telling the story she once feared would have a different ending. In her newly released memoir, “Rewrite This Tragedy,” she opens up about that harrowing day, the long road to healing, and the quiet, powerful miracles that turned a moment of devastation into a testimony of hope. 

“We thought she was gone,” said Harris. “We really believed she died on impact.”  

After what felt like an eternity of waiting for rescue personnel to arrive, Mia received medical care and was transported to a hospital. While the diagnosis was uncertain, placing Mia in a medically induced coma was the medical team’s best option for her recovery. 

Less than 24 hours later, Mia miraculously woke up — talking and moving in her hospital bed. 

Though she initially lost function on her left side, Mia began intensive therapy that allowed her to regain full mobility within six months of the accident. Now a thriving third grader, Mia shows no signs of physical, cognitive or emotional impairment. 

“She is truly a walking miracle,” said Harris. 

Driven by a deep conviction to share how God met her family in the midst of their fear, Harris wrote “Rewrite This Tragedy” as a testimony of faith during times of crisis.  

“I never planned to be an author,” she said. “But I knew this story wasn’t just for me to hold onto; it was for others who are walking through their own tragedies.” 

The book’s title comes from a Sara Groves song Harris often listened to during college.  

“What happened was traumatic, but I believe God rewrote the ending,” said Harris. “Not because of what he did, but because of who he is.” 

Throughout the book, Harris reflects on her family’s faith in the midst of uncertainty. She also recounts how her oldest daughter was the one to first prompt prayer for her little sister as the tragedy unfolded.  

Harris hopes readers will find encouragement to trust God during their own moments of heartbreak.  

“God doesn’t always promise the outcome we want,” said Harris. “But he promises his presence, and that promise held us together.” 

“Rewrite This Tragedy” is available now on Amazon and through major book retailers. 

���Ĺ���, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &�Բ�����;