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Five Weeks: a Lifetime: The True Journey of Clinton Jacob
Suppose you have a teacher who knows the secret of life. A teacher who can show you what it takes to live to the fullest, to love until your heart bleeds out—to have it all, and then to let it all go. Now, suppose your teacher is only five weeks old. When the Sullivans are told their unborn child has a congenital heart defect, they have no idea where the news will lead them. Their dreams of bedtime cuddles and soft baby coos give way to the incessant beeping of hospital machinery and the sharp smell of antiseptic. With two young children in tow, the uprooted family takes an unexpected journey discovering the truth of love, sorrow, and ultimately, the gift of life. This true story—comprised of journal entries, letters, and emails—is the legacy of one small boy’s lifetime.
- GenresNonfiction
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2015
54 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Sullivan
13 books3 followersHannah Sullivan, born in California, currently lives in Idaho with her husband and children. An avid reader and runner, she decided to try her hand at writing when her daughter asked for a more "grown-up" version of the family THUNDER stories. So, doing what any mother would do, she said, "Yes, why not?" And started to write. With some fantastic help and new friendships, a novel was born! Her first novel, "THUNDER: The Shadows Are Stirring," is an Amazon bestseller. Her second, "FIVE WEEKS: a Lifetime," a memoir comprised of journal entries, letters and emails - is the legacy of one small boy's lifetime. It reached the bestseller lists, in both the US and the UK, just hours after it was published.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 10, 2017
Concise and poignant true story
The author tells the story of her pregnancy and the brief life of her son with poignant detail, but without extraneous drama. If you've lost a child, it will move you to tears, but if you've ever experienced a medical victory with a child, you'll cheer with the family as this little one fights for his life. I've been in both positions, and highly recommend this book. The tragic side is that this family clearly does not know the Lord, and therefore doesn't have a peace or confidence that they'll see little Clinton again.
The author tells the story of her pregnancy and the brief life of her son with poignant detail, but without extraneous drama. If you've lost a child, it will move you to tears, but if you've ever experienced a medical victory with a child, you'll cheer with the family as this little one fights for his life. I've been in both positions, and highly recommend this book. The tragic side is that this family clearly does not know the Lord, and therefore doesn't have a peace or confidence that they'll see little Clinton again.
December 22, 2016
This heart-wrenching story told in diary or letter format tells of a woman's pregnancy and the emotional roller coaster that follows upon learning her child has a heart issue. I didn't particularly like the way in which the story was told. Letters to the child and letters from and to other family members was distracting to me. Nonetheless, for anyone who has lost a child, this may provide some comfort.
June 11, 2019
Loving and Missing Our Babies
Thank you for sharing such a personal experience with the world.
I've never had any children of my own, but I taught school for 36 years and have loved and cared for so many children over the years and still carry them all in my heart.
I, myself, am 1of 5 children that Mama had and the only one who survived so I know from my own perspective how difficult it was for Mama over the years missing her babies.
Thank you for sharing such a personal experience with the world.
I've never had any children of my own, but I taught school for 36 years and have loved and cared for so many children over the years and still carry them all in my heart.
I, myself, am 1of 5 children that Mama had and the only one who survived so I know from my own perspective how difficult it was for Mama over the years missing her babies.
August 6, 2018
Sad
oh, my heart. I cried so much reading this book. it was such a sad, but uplifting, story. My heart aches for all parents who go through what the Sullivan's did. Thank you for sharing the story of your sweet boy.
oh, my heart. I cried so much reading this book. it was such a sad, but uplifting, story. My heart aches for all parents who go through what the Sullivan's did. Thank you for sharing the story of your sweet boy.
August 21, 2017
Heartwretching
This baby achieved in 5 weeks what people take a lifetime to accomplish. May his memory live on in all people he impacted
This baby achieved in 5 weeks what people take a lifetime to accomplish. May his memory live on in all people he impacted
June 7, 2018
Beautiful
Well done, Hannah Sullivan! Lovingly and thoughtfully written. You and your family's grace and strength are awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
Well done, Hannah Sullivan! Lovingly and thoughtfully written. You and your family's grace and strength are awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
May 5, 2016
Heavy. Duty. Subject.
Reading what the book is about (going in) will let a reader know if they are able to handle the subject matter (or not).
The book (comprised from journal entries and emails) bounces around. A lot. Sometimes in a rather disjointed fashion.
Sullivan, however, allows readers inside a calamitous, heart-wrenching period of time in her life: her pregnancy and the five weeks she (and the rest of her family) had with Clinton... her child too quickly passed from a congenital heart defect.
Heavy, heavy subject (which, sometimes surprisingly/unexpectedly is dealt with in a manner that comes across as almost ...dismissive ... for lack of better words).
For this reason the book was not what I expected (from reading the cover/back cover) and it missed its mark with me.
Reading what the book is about (going in) will let a reader know if they are able to handle the subject matter (or not).
The book (comprised from journal entries and emails) bounces around. A lot. Sometimes in a rather disjointed fashion.
Sullivan, however, allows readers inside a calamitous, heart-wrenching period of time in her life: her pregnancy and the five weeks she (and the rest of her family) had with Clinton... her child too quickly passed from a congenital heart defect.
Heavy, heavy subject (which, sometimes surprisingly/unexpectedly is dealt with in a manner that comes across as almost ...dismissive ... for lack of better words).
For this reason the book was not what I expected (from reading the cover/back cover) and it missed its mark with me.
May 28, 2015
A beautiful story about a beautiful boy...
A powerful and moving true story, Five Weeks: A Lifetime, made me feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness to joy, and a lot in between. Ms. Sullivan shares the story of her son so beautifully, and in a way that made me feel as though I was making the journey with this incredible family. This book made we walk away with a true sense of hope, and it made me feel as though I am a little better for "knowing" baby Clinton. Thank you, Hannah Sullivan, for sharing your story! I highly recommend this book to anyone, and especially to anyone who has ever experienced loss and is looking to come out stronger on the other side.
A powerful and moving true story, Five Weeks: A Lifetime, made me feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness to joy, and a lot in between. Ms. Sullivan shares the story of her son so beautifully, and in a way that made me feel as though I was making the journey with this incredible family. This book made we walk away with a true sense of hope, and it made me feel as though I am a little better for "knowing" baby Clinton. Thank you, Hannah Sullivan, for sharing your story! I highly recommend this book to anyone, and especially to anyone who has ever experienced loss and is looking to come out stronger on the other side.
September 29, 2015
Amazing Inspiration for Others
In the beginning of the journals the author writes with a young voice, saying words like "kiddo". It is amazing how much she grew by the end of the book. Hannah's loving and positive outlook is inspirational. It was a bit surprising, almost shocking, how Hannah included her two and four year old children in the hospital visits, including holding the deceased Clinton. That is the generation gap between us. I can see how this approach strengthened the family and helped them with their grief. On the flip side so many families do not survive such a great loss and grow apart. This is is must read for families losing newborns.
In the beginning of the journals the author writes with a young voice, saying words like "kiddo". It is amazing how much she grew by the end of the book. Hannah's loving and positive outlook is inspirational. It was a bit surprising, almost shocking, how Hannah included her two and four year old children in the hospital visits, including holding the deceased Clinton. That is the generation gap between us. I can see how this approach strengthened the family and helped them with their grief. On the flip side so many families do not survive such a great loss and grow apart. This is is must read for families losing newborns.
September 7, 2015
Ms. Sullivan opens her heart to the world in this poignant memoir, and the result is pure magic. For anyone who knows the frightening depth of parental love, for anyone who has experienced the staggering loss of a child, for anyone who has ever felt hopeless, or lost, or numb with despair - this story is for you. This memoir is love, in its purest form. It is grief. It is strength. And above all, it is hope.
July 7, 2016
A Sad Tale
A sad tale of a life taken too soon. However with the tears one can find faith in humanity again. Family coming together, helping one another. Strangers showing love and kindness in a time of need.
A sad tale of a life taken too soon. However with the tears one can find faith in humanity again. Family coming together, helping one another. Strangers showing love and kindness in a time of need.
January 24, 2017
Good book. Very touching story. The e-mails got a little boring, and it got a little scary when they didnt know whether or not he was going to pull out, and really sad when he died, but overall, it was a good book.
October 23, 2015
Such a heartwrenching story. Baby Clinton's journey through pregnancy, the following surgery and complications afterwards through the words of his parents is such an emotional rollercoaster ride.
May 8, 2016
A touching story about family and death
June 25, 2016
Awesome!
This is a must read! So open and honest, I can't imagine going through what this family did! And the amazing way they dealt with what life handed them,
This is a must read! So open and honest, I can't imagine going through what this family did! And the amazing way they dealt with what life handed them,
September 1, 2018
This book deals with loss and grief.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews