A Miracle for Josie

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

This blog is about a book I recently read. We probably all have heard of the unexplained recoveries that sometimes occur in the lives of people with severe illnesses. Sometimes the hoped for miracle does not occur and we must find our way to acceptance and 'keeping on.'

I read various types of books, such as romance, mystery, western, biographies and current topics of interest. With the vision problems I’m having, I read mostly large print books. Many of the new books that have just come out are available to me at the library, if I don’t want to spend the money for them. However, most of the ‘just out’ books are in finer fonts that have become more and more difficult for me to read. Likewise the older books that I would like to go back and reaquaint myself with another look. I read recently where book publishers were espousing more and more the use of the types of fonts that use less ink. So I don't get to read some of the books I might like to. Makes a difference in the profit line, don't you know!' Never mind that it is a strain on the eyes.

The book mentioned in the title is a family love story of an unwed 17 year old girl, forced to give up her baby [apparently at a time when attitudes were much different than they are at present] and the Amish family with whom she was placed. The Amish couple hadn’t been able to have children, but after adopting the baby girl, they later had two sons. The 17 year old went on to marry a good man and they were devoted to each other. However, she was never able to have another child.

Josie never got over the loss of her child and resented her parents for forcing her to give away her baby. She longed to establish a relationship with her lost child before her impending death, due to an inoperable brain tumor. A prayer chain for Josie was established all over the country, begun by her daughter, Linda’s, Amish family and their friends. Linda was approaching her 18th birthday, and Josie wanted very much to celebrate that one birthday with her, and watch her blow out the candles on her birthday cake for the first time. Time was running out and seizures were becoming more frequent. You will need to read the book for yourself if you want to know more..

In the notes at the end of the book, the author reveals that she was an adopted child also. And while the book is fictional, a miracle in her own life occurred after her son was diagnosed with a tumor, spent a lot of time in hospital and many prayers were said for him. The tumor disappeared and he made a full recovery. The author says, “Josie’s story is my son’s reality.”