In a highly-publicized story, the story of Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerek unfolded to the media. Both girls were involved in a tragic car accident involving a school van of Taylor University students and a tractor trailer. What came out of these accident was not only the death of five people, but a mistake about which girl died and which girl lived.
When the paramedics arrived to the accident scene, they identified a girl as Laura Van Ryn and proclaimed her in critical condition. They took her to a local hospital where she was in a coma for the next five weeks. Another girl, similar in appearance to Laura, Whitney, was proclaimed dead on the scene. For the next five weeks, Laura's family stood by her bedside, under the impression that it was Laura they were looking after. Whitney's family buried the body they thought belonged to their daughter and tried to move on with their lives.
As "Laura" came out of her coma, it began to become clear that the girl in the coma was not Laura; in fact, it was Whitney Cerek. This novel, Mistaken Identity, was written by the families of both girls and explains the mystery and how they coped with the tragedy. The true story is a testimony to the both families' strong faith and their willingness to forgive in the most difficult of situations.
Wow, I have goose bumps from this story. This would make a good movie. "Not to be unsensative to their situation but wow...I hope they're okay. Man that sent shivers down my spine. (K)
This book was incredible. The families made it through all of this because of their religious beliefs, if it had not been for God, their lives would have been torn apart even more and I'm sure they would feel more angry than they are now, if they are even angry at all. These families are role models, they tought me that believing in God can pull you through the most difficult times in your life.
An excellent read. I have been interested in this story since the accident. God is wonderful in both situations. Laura is at the right hand of God and her famil WILL see her on day. Whitney is making a miraculous recovery which is only through God's love for us. May both families continue to testify God's love. The book is a trememdous witness.