022 | Krickett Carpenter Pappas’ Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph and Heartbreak

About the Guest

Krickitt Carpenter, now known as Krickitt Pappas, is a former elite gymnast from Phoenix, Arizona, whose life took a dramatic turn following a severe car accident. Previously a D1 athlete at Cal State Fullerton, Krickitt’s athletic career was cut short due to a knee injury. Subsequently, she pursued a career in exercise physiology and worked in sales. Her life story garnered global attention after the publication of the book The Vow, which chronicles her experiences with retrograde amnesia following the accident and the impact it had on her marriage. In addition to public speaking and sharing her remarkable journey, Krickitt is currently employed as a substitute teacher and remains deeply rooted in her faith.

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Krickitt Pappas, formerly known as Krickitt Carpenter, who shares her extraordinary, resilience-filled life journey. From a promising gymnastics career cut short by injury to a traumatic car accident that left her with retrograde amnesia, Krickitt’s story is one of perseverance and faith. After losing the memory of the first year and a half of her marriage, including her wedding, she and her husband were faced with rebuilding their relationship from scratch, eventually leading to renewed vows and international fame with the movie adaptation The Vow.

Krickitt discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced on her path to recovery, highlighting the importance of faith and support in overcoming life’s hurdles. Despite the ultimate dissolution of her marriage, Krickitt expresses gratitude for the life lessons and strength she gained through the journey. Today, she embraces her role as a dedicated mother and educator, continually finding hope in her faith and community. Her story exemplifies resilience, as she speaks candidly about personal growth and the empowering realization that new beginnings can emerge from the deepest of challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Krickitt’s college gymnastics career and its impact on her identity and future goals.
• The life-altering car accident that resulted in Krickitt’s retrograde amnesia and the subsequent challenges this posed for her marriage.
• The journey of rebuilding a marital relationship from scratch, leading to a book and movie adaptation, The Vow.
• Facing and overcoming the emotional turmoil of divorce, maintaining faith, and focusing on personal growth.
• The role of community, support, and faith in Krickitt’s ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery.

Notable Quotes

1. “I looked like the girl in the wedding dress…I felt trapped in a relationship that I didn’t and couldn’t remember.”
2. “I have to stay true to that commitment…because of what I said in our first wedding.”
3. “When something that you think is most devastating…I can see how the Lord turned it to good.”
4. “For me, my faith is what brings me through…and how much peace I have in my heart now.”
5. “I just walk with the Lord and what’s undone is whatever the Lord has in store for me.”

Resources

• Book: “The Vow” 
• Movie: “The Vow” (2012) – Based on Krickitt Pappas’ life story.

Discover the full breadth of Krickitt’s transformative journey by tuning in to the entire episode. Stay connected for future episodes of “Becoming Undone” for more inspirational stories of resilience and personal growth.