Reading: Mistaken Identity, by Mark Tabb (pgs. 205-242)

In the next section of Mistaken Identitiy, by Mark Tabb, I realized that both families did indeed receive closure for their daughter's identity swap.  In chapter eighteen, Tabb focuses on the aftermath of the identity swap.  Specifically, he details how the Van Ryns reacted to the mistake.  They were reasonably upset.  Many people came to comfort them in their time of need.  At first, the Van Ryns simply wanted to be alone in mourning their daughter's death.  However, the support from their friends and other family members continued to add up.  The support and God's provisions helped to bring true closure for the Van Ryns on Laura's death.  They began to accept the death, and rejoice in Laura's new, perfect life in heaven. 

In chapter nineteen, the story shifts back to the Cerak family.  They still have to focus on adjusting to the new circumstances of the identity swap.  They are filled with joy as their daughter returns home.  Their optimistic attitude rarely wavers in Whitney's final stages to recover.  They surprisingly do not take a long period of time to overcome the aftermath and confusion of the swap.  Overall, they are simply ecstatic to have their daughter home.  Therefore, they feel they do not need to complain about their own circumstances. 

In chapter twenty, the author details several posts from a Cerak family blog.  The blog details Whitney's recovery.  The blog describes how enjoyable it was to spend time with Whitney.  The family once thought they had lost their daughter, but they were extremely pleased that she was indeed alive.  Her life was a gift to them, and they rejoice in it.

After reading this section of Tabb's book, I feel I can relate to the recovery stand point of the families.  Tragedies do not cause sorrow only for the short term normally.  If there is an event big enough, it may take a long time for a person or group to recover from the trauma.  For example, war veterans can experience post-trauma due to their horrors on the battlefield.  Even if an event is completely over, the emotional wounds can take time to heal.  I have experienced this trauma with simple events that may be embarrassing.  I am embarrassed both in the moment, as well as later when I reflect on the embarrassing situation.  I have truly enjoyed this book thus far, and I really look forward to reading the final section of the story.