There's always something scary when reading about medical mistakes. And the usual story encompasses the pain, grief and subsequent lawsuit. Here though, the story is about joy mixed with grief, courage above pain, and protecting others rather than just going for a lawsuit.
Inconceivable Is A Personal Heart Felt Journey
This is Carolyn and Sean's journey, told by themselves, in an alternating rhythm of each taking a turn to bring the story forward. It's not so much about what decision to make, but how to live with that decision - what happens on that journey. It is also amazing that the Savages were able to quickly, and for the most part, continually, keep the media in check
Inconceivable by Carolyn and Sean Savage is a heart-felt book, written in an engaging and conversational manner despite the subject matter. Each shares intimate and personal feelings, including the inconsistency and somewhat hypocritical stance given by the Church (but fortunately, not from the local parish). In vitro fertilization is not new, and it is surprising that a mistake of this nature had not happened sooner, now knowing the lack of follow up checkpoints for correct procedures. And considering the alternative is termination of a pregnancy, it is difficult to reconcile the Church's words and lack of support for this predicament.
Not Three Trimesters, But Four - To Sum Up The Journey
The book is divided into four main sections - The First Trimester, The Second Trimester, The Third Trimester, and The Fourth Trimester - which really sums up the full journey, as it is obvious their journey does not just end with the birth of a baby that is theirs, but is not theirs. The pun for both The Fourth Trimester and the book title Inconceivable is not lost on readers, and immediately sets the tone.
There are some lovely photos provided but are not needed as the story and telling stand on their own. But it allows for the family to be a family of 6, if only within the confines of these pages and only for a very very short brief moment. The outpouring of support and understanding at the Savage's decision is heart warming, as is the biological parents' visit to the Savage household - to again be an extended family.
Life Giving Miracle
Inconceivable by Carolyn and Sean Savage is a thought provoking and emotional journey into not just an ethical dilemma, but it's a heartfelt story of a family and how they coped with both a miracle and what could be perceived as a tragic mistake. Or actually, how the Savages turned a potentially tragic mistake into a life giving miracle of joy to others.
Book courtesy of FSB Associates.
Sources:
- Savage, Carolyn and Sean. Inconceivable: A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn't Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift. New York, NY USA: HarperOne, 2010
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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