This is one of those books that I would have never picked up to read if it wasn't a book club selection. As often happens in this situation, I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked this book. The author is honest: "Memory is stubborn, revisionist, and fickle. Everything I'm about to tell you is subject to persuasion, bias, and desire, as much as any history is. It is singularly one-sided."
Heather shares the story of her first-born child's serious illness with honesty, love and humor. It's interesting that the serious illness of a child can often divide parents; divide a family. The opposite happens here. Brian did not want children. He loved Heather, but still couldn't accept being a father, so Heather was on her own for most of her pregnancy and early months of Gracie's life. I actually didn't know if Brian would come around or not. I am certainly glad he did! I am sure that Brian would have eventually accepted fatherhood if Gracie was born healthy too, but in this case, she was not. And once he met his daughter, there was no turning back. I can't imagine the heartbreak that Heather must have suffered when Brian told her that he could not be a father to their newly conceived child. I think she was incredibly strong through their "Brian-induced separation".
Gracie's recovery is a miracle. I truly believe that God had a plan - and God had a hand in her recovery. Heather & Brian decide not to have another child (in hope of saving Gracie). Then they find out Heather is pregnant. They have Gabe, and his cells are a perfect match. Of course Gracie endures a lot - more than any child should ever have to - but her little brother did save her life with his cord blood. Gracie was a strong child, who beat the odds. It's an amazing story. So many childhood illnesses do not end this way. My heart broke for Rayma and Deepak when Varun died. How difficult it must be for a parent to lose their own child and still be attentive to other parents whose children survive. What a testament to the kindness of Rayma and Deepak.
Wendy's Rating: *****
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