
Herman Cajigas was just a normal, teenage boy growing up in New York City in the 1970’s. From a hard-working immigrant family from Puerto Rico, Herman and his classmates were enjoying their final year as High School Seniors before heading off to various colleges. A school field trip to Wildwood, New Jersey would irrevocably change Herman’s life forever. An accident at the beach sees Herman robbed of his mobility and trying to adjust to life in a wheelchair, as a quadriplegic. Triumphant Ride: By Permit Only brings us author Herman Cajigas Jr.’s inspiring story as he comes to terms with the cards fate has dealt him and determines how he will succeed in this life, confined to a wheelchair. Rising from his impoverished but happy childhood, Herman’s grit and determination carry him from hospital, to University and on to be an inspirational entrepreneur in the booming tech industry – along the way finding his soul-mate and the love of his life.
Triumphant Ride: By Permit Only is a simple, straightforward summation of author Herman Cajigas Jr.’s inspirational life. The messages he brings in this journey are ones of humility, acceptance and raw courage to go on, no matter what the circumstances life throws your way. If anything struck me most, as a reader, it was Herman’s humility and his determination not to see himself as handicapped by his injury, but instead to look for ways in which he could still do all the things he desired to do. I liked that he was also prepared to examine his own character, recognise his own flaws and work on improving them. Running through the narrative is a simple expression of faith, but not the type engendered perhaps by organised religion. Herman lived his life according to the dictates of what we now know as The Law of Attraction. His faith in family, in his beloved wife and in a higher power, as recognised by the Universe shone through every page of this book. I found the story more compelling perhaps because of the no-nonsense and straightforward style of the writing. There was little hyperbole or attempt to claim greatness at overcoming his limitations, just a sweet and delightful joy at being alive, being in love with life and still able to do the things he wanted to do. This is an inspiring piece of work and one I can highly recommend. “There, but for the grace of God, go I!”