Triumphant Ride! By Permit Only is a nonfiction memoir written by Herman Cajigas, Jr. Cajigas’ parents had one goal for their sons, which was for them to live their lives as kids, play hard and study even harder. They both worked full-time to see those aspirations come to fruition and the author and his brother did just that. Cajigas did well in school and sports, and he found part-time jobs to help defray expenses of running his second-hand car. He did find girls a sufficient distraction in eleventh grade to necessitate some remedial schooling, but he was still on the college track by year’s end. His senior year in high school did eventually come to pass, and it flew by quickly. Finally, classes were over, colleges had been applied to, and only the senior class trip and graduation were left before that stage of life was essentially over.

Their senior class trip was a day at Wildwood, NJ’s beach and boardwalk. Kids laughed and joked on the bus ride from Perth Amboy south, and soon, they arrived at the shore, left the bus and began the trek towards the ocean. Cajigas and his pals took their time seeing the sights before they hit the surf. They spent time at the arcade games and had pizza for lunch. Then, it was time for the salty spray and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The guys took turns diving off each others’ cupped hands as waves approached. It seemed to make being out there even more fun, until a dive into unexpectedly shallow water left Cajigas lying face down in the surf, unable to move, and oddly unconcerned about it.

Herman Cajigas, Jr.’s nonfiction memoir, Triumphant Ride! By Permit Only, is an inspiring and moving autobiographical account of a life well lived despite the diving accident which left him paralyzed on his senior class trip. The author shares his experiences with the reader, from that first dull clunk he felt as his head hit the sand, through the hospital treatments and after, when he was finally released to go home again. His story is compelling, and seeing how he thrives despite the challenges he’s faced makes for some compelling reading indeed. I loved sharing his discovery of an aptitude for computer science and coding, and the story of how he met his wife is beautifully told. Cajigas' writing style is conversational and easy, and I often had to remind myself that this was indeed a memoir and not a work of fiction as it read so smoothly. Triumphant Ride! By Permit Only is most highly recommended.

Triumphant Ride! By Permit Only by Herman Cajigas Jr. is the story of Herman and how he has successfully learned to navigate through life even in the face of the obstacles born of tragedy and trauma. Cajigas shares the strength and courage it took to face life as a quadriplegic who refused to allow a wheelchair to confine or define him as he adapts to his condition, learns to live his life and continues his education without allowing himself to give up on himself. This memoir is written proof that love, support and encouragement from the people we hold most dear to us in life can allow us to see ourselves in a clearer light; where the human spirit will help us thrive rather than just survive.

Triumphant Ride! By Permit Only by Herman Cajigas Jr. is a perfect testimony of the unrelenting human spirit regardless of individual circumstances. This memoir is the well thought out, well-written story of Herman Cajigas Jr’s life events that will inspire anyone anywhere to strive for more, regardless of perceived limitations. I love how Cajigas points out his personal obstacles and how he dealt with them so that anyone can identify with and learn from his personal victories. I recommend Triumphant Ride to readers of any age and personally hope this inspirational story finds its way into clinics, libraries and homes everywhere. Cajigas’ memoir is a must-read that will not only inspire others to continue in their life’s pursuits but encourage people to push their limits beyond bodily limitations.

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 is 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 conveys in this journey are ones of humility, acceptance and raw courage to go on, no matter what 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. I liked that he was also prepared to examine his own character, recognize 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 organized 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 recognized 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!”

This is an inspiring story about the ability to bounce back from adversity & deal with life's downturns, adversities & challenges--even when those events are catastrophic & devastating that they seem impossible to recover from. This personal story by the author Mr Cajigas will help people in devastating life circumstances & difficult situations to NEVER GIVE UP and ALWAYS show RESILIENCE against misfortunes in a humans life !!!