This is a true story about a young girl, Jane Smith, who falls ill to a mysterious illness at the tender age of Fourteen years old. The doctors are left completely baffled, eventually seeking help from medical professors from around the world. These doctors flew in from all over the world, to South Africa, to study Jane's case personally. Jane's illness was eventually diagnosed as rare, but Jane's parents always believed she was wrongly diagnosed. This story brings across her bravery and courage, more so her will too live, as well as the turmoil that smothered her family's lives along the way. Its a story of true dedication and a grace of never giving up. A tearjerker, that teaches you the true meaning of family and love.
I am lost for words to describe how this family coped and what they went through. What a beautiful story of an amazing family. An account of faith, bravery, compassion and love . A mother's love that cannot be equaled and sibling loyalty that knows no bounds. Thank you Tracy for sharing Jane's story.
This was the greatest book I ever read. When you can read a book and it stirs your emotions whether it be tears, laughter, or other you know you have read a good book. Their were some misspelled words but in this case I think they can be overlooked. I do hope the author plans on writing more but next time take more care with the spelling.
Although this book is a heartrending story there were two factors that spoiled it for me. I understand that the author was writing from her memories as a young child, but the book was written in a catalogue/chronology style. Secondly, the English was very poor. I know I am very pedantic when it comes to English, but it seriously affected my enjoyment of the book. Surely, as a published author, somebody proof-reads or edits the book before it goes to print?
What a beautiful way to share your story Tracy... Jane is undoubtedly an inspiration, but so are all the members of the Smith and Badenhorst families who stood by and supported each other through all the good and bad time, trials and tribulations. Thank you so much for sharing your story Tracy... it's rejuvenated my motivation to stay strong and battle on in my own medical battle. I'll definitely be recommending this book!
A sensitive woman takes the reader back to her childhood to relive her family's struggles and courage during her sister's mysterious illness of many years. The author's frankness pulls the reader into their family's trials and triumphs. It is an emotional, satisfying read.
This is my 2nd time to read this book - it's so inspiring Janes positive attitude , determination and her fight for life. I cried both times reading this book - amazing family that is there for one another thru thick and thin.
I cannot put into words what this book has done for me. Love. Faith. Joy. Sadness . Grief. And so much more.
I would recommend this book to everyone from young teens to the oldest. The love of family and how through good and bad they were there for one another.
This true story is heart wrenching. I could hardly contain my emotions as I read this book. Tears, joy, laughter and reality! A good read for those looking for life's reason.
This is a goodtearful book, especially in some places that family had a lot of hard times and the found ways to cope with it. Jane loosing her life at such a young age is so sad. She was so sick for so long but dealt with it in an amazing way.
I loved this story. Family is all to the writer, especially for Jane, the sister who spent half her life being ill. Badenhorst writes with strength and hope and continues on the journey of life.
Sad but uplifting story of one very courageous girl who fought to live as long as she could , amazing doctors with her strength and pushing thru all the obstacles along the way.
It's an amazing story of a South African family that keeps you wanting to read more. Inspiring characters and well-written in spite of not having an editor.
I liked this book because you want to read and find out more about the main character. Her strength and determination is beyond words. A good read, it was hard to put down
A beautiful story about a family’s love for each other. The strength each and every member of this family had was astounding. Their lives were lived on a roller coaster ride. Life as they knew it changed forever when their older sister Jane fell ill one day. Hospital corridors were their second home. For 16 years Jane fought ailment after disabling ailment; countless amount of surgeries, and agonizing spasms that rendered her bedridden. Yet, she was the light that never dimmed. Jane was their rock even in the after-life. They lived their lives mindful of what Jane lived through and how much of a fighter she was. A definite tear jerker this story.
Heartbreaking, I dare you to read this book and not cry your heart out. This has to be the saddest book I ever read. There is a life lesson though, life is not prefect, sometimes life throw us a curveball and we have to adapt to it. This book is a excellent example of a mothers/family love and the trails and tribulations they went through in dealing with daughter/sister illness. Highly recommend this book along with a box of tissues.
This true story broke my heart that even with medical technology not all things can be defined. The tenacity of this family and their undying love of each other was very moving and proves that we can draw close even in circumstances that make no sense or have rhyme or reason.
Thank you for sharing your story! I bawled my eyes out! God Bless you and your family! What a beautiful soul your mother and sister had! Your love for them is amazing!
Excellent book for any family who has suffered with an chronically ill child. Very thorough in it's descriptions of the grace and grit of daily life with the gift of a child who is different. Inspiring!
This is such a wonderful book about family, illness, strength, and the love that gets you through each moment you are alive. I really did feel as though I had met Jane by the end of this story... and I really wish I could have met her for true.
The book was a bit repetitive. While it is a memoir of her sister’s illness, the author also describes the impact on the family. A bittersweet story but a bit longer and more repetitive than it needed to be.
An inspiring story told with raw honesty. The family members were strong and fiercely loyal to each other and I was in awe, of the grace, strength and bravery of Jane, who taught us to be gracious and grateful. The calm, protective and tireless force of the Mother was pure and selfless and the bond among the sisters and their Mother was pure and magical.