Forever Optimistic

“Bob’s story is inspiring on many levels. His story is deeply moving, surprisingly humorous and brimming with hard won wisdom for readers from every walk of life. I hope you find deep value in reading about Bob’s compelling journey.”
—US Senator Chris Coons, Delaware, from the Foreword
 
“Straight talk from a straight shooter. Bob and I began as client/counsel on many Discovery Communications real estate transactions; just as those developed into a complex headquarters project, our relationship has grown into friendship. This book deals with many life challenging topics like health management, child rearing, and even the possibility of  miracles. You may not have the same background or experiences, but in his story Bob gives insights that will certainly make you ask ‘what if?’ and perhaps even influence future choices. Kudos to the Brams family for sharing this battle and continuing the fight!”
— Pandit Wright, former Discovery Channel senior executive, and president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the National Capital Region
 
“I had the honor and privilege of reviewing Bob Brams’s new book, Forever Optimistic. This story of his survival against all odds is nothing short of extraordinary. Bob walks us through a harrowing tale of his two craniotomies on both the East and West Coasts, as well as radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Following his first surgery, Bob battled a stroke, a coma, life support, and even hemophilia. Bob was left with difficulties walking, thinking, and speaking; and he had to undergo lengthy 24/7 care at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC followed by years of therapy. 

The aftermath of his myriad medical procedures, problems, and therapy, led him to search his soul on how he had led his life and what it takes to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Bob explores many of the precise issues that have come up throughout my many years of psychiatry practice. Bob’s thoughts and conclusions are spot on. Bob has a lovely wife and two children so he’s seen a lot. I found the book fascinating, captivating, and full of keen insights about life's many trials. Brain tumor or not, I believe that all readers from parents, to students, to professionals—virtually anyone—will find Bob’s book to be a thoroughly insightful and captivating read.”
—Jerrold M. Post, MD, professor emeritus, George Washington University, and president, Political Psychology, Ltd
 
“While always self-effacing, our author Bob Brams never underestimates himself. His new book paints a picture of a man struck down by a brain cancer diagnosis at the peak of his legal career. He fights the battle with unrelenting adversity, courage, common sense, humor, and proportionality. However, he neglects to inform the reader that he fell from a high perch. Indeed Bob rose to the top of the vaunted Washington, DC legal profession. He did so through hard work and his gift for the law. I believe that one of the reasons that he’s risen so high is that he would always assert only well-reasoned arguments. Bob also has an uncanny ability to never let his professional relationship with adversaries interfere with the personal relationship he would develop with them. He has maintained friendships with clients and adversaries to this day.  Confronting a deadly brain tumor, Bob has applied his positive attitude, force of character, and diligence to achieve a quality of life of a different sort, as he shares in this riveting account of his illness, pas de deux with the medical profession, and application of his life skills to a new normal. This is must-read for a broad range of readers from those struggling through a devastating illness or other situations to those individuals struggling to find success in law, business, and life.”
—Judge Christine O.C. Miller, United States Court of Federal Claims (Ret.)
 
“I’m honored to endorse Bob Brams’s book Forever Optimistic. Bob’s medical experience was nothing short of devastating, but he’s come out of it all with the greatest of insights on choosing your path and leading life. Bob’s battle back from tragedy has led him to reflect on valuable thoughts on overcoming failures to benefiting from his many achievements in the legal profession … Bob’s cancer battle took him right up to the edge of death. He’s definitely been the beneficiary of so many miracles that only the good Lord can provide. While he fights on with continually perplexing MRIs, Bob’s come out of it all with wisdom that should be invaluable for all. Bob's book is inspirational, motivational, and chock full of key lessons for leading a successful  life. I’m confident that Bob’s story will be powerful and healing for so many.”
—Kyle Snyder, US Olympic gold medalist in wrestling; three time NCAA champion in wrestling