Shatterproof

How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy)

By: Lauren Sisler

Narrated by: Lauren Sisler

She lost her parents to secret opioid addictions.

She lost her voice when the shame shattered her heart.

But when she fell in love with her story, she became shatterproof.

College football fans have welcomed Emmy Award-winning ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler into their homes weekly since 2016. But the popular journalist known for asking insightful questions and for the viral videos dancing her signature “sideline shimmy” shielded a tragic secret behind her smile for nearly two decades: her mother and father died within hours of each other, victims of their hidden battle with prescription drug addiction.

In Shatterproof, Sisler enters the dark and mysterious pasts her parents hid from everyone but each other. She applies her skills as a reporter to uncover details of the double lives they led even as they loved and supported her athletic career as a gymnast. She also lays bare her shock and grief after their deaths, confessing the lengths to which she went to avoid facing the unimaginable truth.

Only by summoning the courage to honestly confront the tragic story has Sisler been able to redeem it. She’s been freed to grieve her parents while appreciating the loving legacy they left her. And she’s embraced her calling as an inspirational speaker and addiction awareness advocate, helping audiences to fall in love with their own stories—and to recognize that they, too, are shatterproof.

©2024 Lauren Sisler (P)2024 Lauren Sisler

Powerful

I grew up at Roanoke Academy as a child taking classes and later due to all star cheerleading and remember seeing your name all over the gym for level awards and accolades! I had no idea this was your story! It sadly is too familiar to soo many of us in this area and your vulnerability is a true inspiration!

God’s protection

Your parents broke the mold in what we usually know about addictive parents in how much they loved you and took care of you. God protected you in many ways.

I could not put this book down!

I loved this book with my whole heart and soul. I read the hard copy and could not put it down. I listened to Lauren read it on Audible and I loved it even more. I have recommended this book to everyone I know. Lauren tells her story with dignity and grace. A must read!

Incredible story!

I love stories of strength and perseverance. Especially in females. I also love to listen to author narrated books. Lauren’s story of perseverance against the odds is incredible! It seems, from my perspective, that gymnastics sets people up to succeed through traumas like no other sport I know of. Thank you, Lauren, for your bravery in telling your story! I hope many lives will be changed through recovery and empathy for addiction after hearing your story.

Read it in one day….

I first noticed Lauren on random Instagram posts that came up on my feed. I was intrigued and began to follow her and learn about her story. I pre-ordered the book and finished it the day it arrived in my audible mailbox. Although the story is tragic , Lauren has turned it into a ministry and has touched many lives. Continued success for you, Lauren, and I highly recommend your book.

Shatterproof: A Raw and Inspiring Journey

Lauren's courage in sharing her deeply personal story of overcoming the trauma of her parents' drug overdose is nothing short of remarkable. Her raw honesty about her experiences with trauma and shame is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Siler's ability to turn her pain into a powerful message of hope is truly remarkable.

I found myself nodding along with Lauren's stories, recognizing the universal emotions of fear, shame, and the desire to hide from the world. Her writing is honest, funny, and relatable, making it feel like you’re sitting down with a friend over coffee.

This book is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of sharing our stories. It's a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, understanding, or simply a good book. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about your own experiences, Shatterproof is a must-read.