On April 26, 2006 a terrible automobile accident happened in Northern Michigan. Killed in the accident were five students from Taylor University. One female student survived. This book tells the story of the Van Ryn and Cerak families, both God-fearing, God-loving families who dealt with the reality that seems only dreamed up by Hollywood.
Because Whitney Cerak was misidentified as Laura Van Rynn, the Cerak family buried the girl they thought was their daughter, while the Van Ryn family camped out at the hospital for five weeks following the accident with the girl they thought was Laura
This book is a gripping, emotional reality of how each family dealt with the accident, the death and the recovery of Whitney Cerak; and how God’s hand can still be seen and felt in the most devastating of all circumstances.
I was uplifted by the faith of both families, their forgiving hearts, and deeply moved by their complete devotion to God and His will.
Whitney's sister Carly, set the stage for me when she discovered that her sister was found dead at the scene of the accident. In her own words she said:
“Okay Carly, here is the big test. Do you love God even though your sister is dead? She looked up at her friends, tears running down her face, 'God is still good,' she said. 'This accident didn’t change that at all.'”This book sustained and increased the deep awe I have for a loving, generous, merciful Father in Heaven who watches over and comforts all His children! It gave me an even deeper appreciation for the Comfort of the Holy Ghost - that He is as real as the air we breathe!
As much as this book is one of tragedy, it is an incredible story of love and hope, and of commitment to the Lord.
Thank you for making a comment and happening upon my blog. Do we have a common acquaintance? I read this book this last year, too. It was a good one; hard to believe it really happened. I always have felt guilty about my kids' activities and not having the money. Kids start so young nowadays in dance, music (composing stuff), etc. I hated being in dance the 8 years that I went. I love to see kids use imaginations with what they're given. Tv's in cars, DS's constantly running, just let them be kids. Sorry, my soapbox. Btw, I liked your post about Sunday school teachers sticking to the lesson book; lots of fun trying to keep them grounded. Twisting their own agenda with the gospel.
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