Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

Leisure time is limited. But somehow, somewhere in our evenings, we manage to squeeze in some time to read as a couple. We, originally, heard about "this true story" about Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerek on the national news back in April/May of 2006. We were instantly intrigued and shocked by this case of "mistaken identity." We first thought, "Oh, my!" That means one was buried under the wrong name. And the other in coma, being cared for by the wrong family. We are only a few chapters into the book. (And I have to tell you, we haven't yet made it through an entire chapter without tearing up as some point. In Chapter 2: We had to finish reading the chapter silently by ourselves.) As the book unfolds, we'll be back here to comment. I have quoted the "hook" below. THE HOOK: (Back cover sleeve reads as follows)

Five lives were lost in a tragic accident involving a Taylor University van, and one young woman, severely injured and comatose, was rushed to the hospital.

Five funerals were held. Families, faculty, students, and communities grieved their losses and joined in prayer and hope as the young woman, Laura Van Ryn, fought for her life in a hospital bed. The national news spread the story, and people everywhere shared their grief and the hope.

Five weeks passed for the Cerek family. Believing they had buried their daughter, the Cerek's clung to their faith and worshipped God through their tears, learning to look forward with hope to an eternal reunion with their lovely daughter, Whitney. They spent weeks of mourning and grief surrounded by loved ones, slowly moving toward healing.

Five weeks passed for the Van Ryns. Keeping a constant bedside vigil over their precious daughter, Laura, they sat and prayed and hoped. Confronted with tubes and surgeries, vital signs and healing signs, they rejoiced at each tiny advance toward recovery. Their friends and church and family members, along with a steady stream of students, celebrated with them at each sign of Laura's healing.

And then the shock!

"Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said.

W-H-I-T-N-E-Y

An event that could be seen as pure tragedy becomes a celebration of life's unfathomable gifts and mysteries.

What are you reading?