Reading: Mistaken Identity, by Mark Tabb (pgs. 1-34)

I have now started reading a new book called Mistaken Identity, by Mark Tabb.  This book features two girls and their families.  The two girls were involved in a fatal car crash in which both were severely hurt.  Two of the girls have their identities switched.  One of them, Laura Van Ryn, is believed to be in a coma, while the other girl, Whitney Cerak, is declared dead.  The story is about how their mistaken identities affect their families and test the faith of all to people involved with the identity crisis.  In chapter one, Tabb details the time in which the coroner of Taylor University, the school the two girls attended, called Cerak's home to inform them of the mistaken identity.  Whitney's mother, as expected, could not believe her ears.  The entire Cerak family was in complete disbelief.  At the end of the chapter, the family finds that Whitney is indeed alive.

In chapter two, the story shifts over to the Van Ryn family.  Tabb describes their reaction to first hearing about Laura being severely injured in the automobile accident.  However, her identity was mistake at the time.  Tabb describes the reaction at Taylor University when the students learned about the horrible accident.  Both families were in obvious despair.  However, both families clung to God as their comfort and hope.  Both families prayed over their children.  Whitney was believed to be dead, but she was prayed for along with Laura, who was believed to be alive.

In chapter three, the Van Ryn family is featured once again.  Tabb describes the Van Ryn family's reaction when they arrive at the hospital to find their daughter in a coma.  They prayed tirelessly over their daughter's survival.  The biggest key to their strength was their unity in the hospital room with Laura.  They had a strong bond with each other which increased the strength of their prayers.  At the end of the chapter, the family learns that their daughter is going to live, but she needs extensive care and rehab to return back to a more normal state.

After reading this section of Tabb's book, I cannot imagine the pain and shock either family would go through learning about a fatal car crash involving their family member.  I always feel more sorrow for the young kids around college age whom die from unexpected reasons such as car crashes.  People at this age have their entire hopes and dreams in front of them.  Seeing people die whom are going to enter their prime age soon is one of the most difficult pills to swallow in life.  These girls had strong relations with countless people.  I hope their families learned to truly lean on God throughout the struggle.  This book looks promising thus far, and I look forward to reading more sections in the future.