“This wild rollercoaster of a story, in all its many, many twists and turns, is deeply shocking, extraordinary and wonderful. Shocking in that, time and time again, before and after birth, this mother was told that her baby had a diagnosis “incompatible with life”, when in fact she didn’t. Extraordinary in that through the hurricane of bad news, conflicting messages, uncertainty and difficult decisions, she and her husband remained tethered by their trust in God for whatever the future held. And wonderful, in that their daughter lived and is perfectly well.
It’s an emotional read, particularly if you have experienced baby loss, so if that is your situation, be careful.
For everyone else, it’s an important read. To know that not everything is a given. To know that bad news should be delivered gently. To see that even with a devastating diagnosis, hope can be found. To see that if we invite God even into the darkest situation, He brings us light.
For medical and nursing professionals, it’s an essential read. Speaking as a retired doctor, I well remember the arrogance that at times, was drip-fed to us. “You are the crème de la crème” we were told at one of our first lectures in medical school. Humility is needed, in recognising that we might not always have the whole story; in remembering that for a person receiving bad news, how we deliver it will stay with them forever; in seeing that even an unborn child with a devastating diagnosis has worth. And here in this book, you will read the story of how the specialists got it completely wrong. A couple who were informed that their baby had Trisomy 18 and that they could opt for termination any time up to birth, took home a baby completely well and free of any genetic disorder.
Beth Appleby’s book is a page turner, and I read it within two days. Having a similar story that ended very differently, it was tough at times, but I am so glad to have read it. I delighted in seeing the familiar workings of our loving God, who isn’t far above us looking down, but right here with us. He is a good God, and oh, how he loves us – even the ones the world would discount. To him be the glory and the honour.”
“Carrying Hope”, Can be ordered directly from www.carryinghope.co.uk
