For the Love of Rachel: A Father's Story

by David Loewenstein

Book Overview

The true story of one father's search for a family. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979194342
• ISBN13: 9780979194344
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Enalan Communications, Inc.
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Story of Love & Courage

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/07) Rachel's story is compelling. "For the Love of Rachel" is written by Rachel's father, David Loewenstein, PhD, successful in the field of Neuropsychology. David writes with warmth and passion. I found the book compelling and poignant. Rachel came into the world the 23rd week of the gestation, 40 weeks early. Weighing only 18 ounces, David relates how she was so tiny she could have fit in his hand. Feelings of anguish and disbelief added to the helplessness David experienced as he watched his new daughter through the enclosed incubator. Connected to countless machines by a myriad of wires tubes and needles Rachel fought for life. The minutes moved to hours, the hours to days, as the team of medical professionals applied the tools of modern medicine to keep Rachel alive. David masterfully recounts the incidents of the following weeks and months. He tells of numerous surgeries, infections, encouraging progress, and life-threatening setbacks. An underlying theme of David and Susan's growing love for each other, and their love for Rachel, resonates throughout the book. Although Rachel is the heroine in this dramatic story, David acknowledges other courageous heroes who valiantly joined in the journey of Rachel's miracle. The extended family was a source of support and strength. Respected friends provided inspiration. The dedication and expertise of the professionals on the medical team was a phenomenal factor in the Miracle, Baby Rachel. The other babies, born too soon, who fought alongside Rachel for their lives, are also heroes. Their parents became a support group, providing encouragement, solace, and comfort. The book is written to give encouragement to those facing similar experiences. David gives background information on the history of and the progress being made in the care of premature infants. He speaks out to make the public aware of the value of the lives of these children, the cost of initial and ongoing care, in education, socialization, and family adjustments. He gives the reader insight into the research being done and offers hope for the future. Rachel's is an amazing story of inspiration, demonstrating the miraculous power of parental and family love. Powerfully written, "For the Love of Rachel" is a gripping narrative that offers hope and inspiration in times of crisis.

An Awesome Story!

This story is both moving and inspirational. It covers a love story between Susan and David and the trying times they faced, individually and as a couple, as they looked after Rachel, even before her birth. The book touches upon issues that many couples face, including infertility, prematurity, and the decision to adopt a child. What I really liked is that it does so in a refreshing and open manner and that it is very easy to read. I highly recommend it!

This Story Will Make You Consider What Truly Matters

The Loewenstein family has opened its heart to the readers by being transparent about their experiences and letting us in. Love, dedication, commitment, and acknowledgment of what truly matters in this world is defined every step of the way in the turning of each page.

An Alzheimer's Researcher Writes About His Daughter

As part of his job as an Alzheimer's researcher, Dr. Loewenstein writes articles about Alzheimer's for scientific and medical journals. But For The Love of Rachel is written from a more personal point of view. The early chapters of the book cover the ups and downs of Rachel's months in the neonatal intensive care unit, her setbacks and her surgeries, and her fight to live. The next few chapters detail her family's ongoing work to provide the help she needs to do things most of us take for granted - chew food, dress herself, and go to school. But it's the last two chapters that get at the very essence of life. In those chapters, Dr. Loewenstein writes that having a special needs child has caused him to re-examine his assumptions about life, and society's emphasis on appearance, money and winning. He says that by accepting Rachel's limitations, he has come to accept his own limitations and those of others. For the Love of Rachel is an inspiration for anyone dealing with adversity and illness.

Inspirational

I just bought the book today and when I picked it up to read it, I was enthralled. I couldn't put it down! It is an amazing story and I am very grateful to have read it. I thank Dr. Loewenstein for sharing Rachel's story with me and the rest of the world. I am sure that her story and what he took from that experience will inspire everyone who reads it just as it touched and inspired me.