Bethany’s Calendar by Elaine Marie Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bethany’s Calendar is one book everyone needs to read. Elaine Marie Cooper bares her aching soul as she watches what cancer does to her twenty-three year old daughter. Her writing creates the feeling that you are there with her in the room as every scene takes place. Each chapter begins with a section of Bethany’s diary written well before the cancer begins. You find that she is an articulate young woman with an immense desire to live for her Lord. You learn to love her and despise the tumors in her brain. The chapters end with scripture that helped her mom move through what had just transpired plus scripture or helps for others in the same situations, such as friends and family. The author describes how her husband and two sons traveled this difficult journey beside her as they all care for Bethany. The book moves quickly yet describes with detail the trauma that unfolds. Throughout the book and at the end there are sections of advice for those who will also travel this unwanted road. You won’t regret reading Bethany’s Calendar!
I copied a sentence from the last few paragraphs to send to a friend who is in a challenging trial. It spoke to the deepest part of my soul. “Never fear the tears — only fear missing out on God’s will for your life.”
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review which I have given.
What a wonderful idea Sharon, to share the last part of Elaine’s book with a friend going through a similar situation. That is a beautiful line. And I’m amazed at how Bethany was able to stand firm in her love for the Lord, knowing how things would probably end for her at such a tender age. That says a lot about her walk and parents who raised her. What a beautiful young woman and such a lovely tribute to her life.