Letters for Lizzie: A Story of Love, Friendship, and a Battle for Life

by James O'Donnell

Book Overview

Having just made a cross-country move, Jim expected that his new assignment from God was to teach in a small college in Indiana. He wasn't prepared for the task of dealing with the onset of his wife's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1881273016
• ISBN13: 9781881273011
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Northfield Publishing
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

For Anyone Battling Cancer

This book is a worthy companion to Sheldon Vanauken's A Grief Observed. Highly recommended for anyone battling terminal illness and wondering how to make sense of God's presence in the midst of unbearable physical struggle.

A Journey of Compassion

"Cancer teaches you harshly to think short-term, holding everything loosely." ~James O'Donnell It is difficult enough to know how to react when a someone you love is diagnosed with cancer and even more difficult to face the reality of a friend or relative entering treatment for this devastating disease which tests the very fabric of existence. Letters for Lizzie explores even deeper struggles as a man's heart makes a transition from wanting a divorce to fighting for his wife's life with every ounce of strength he possesses. Letters for Lizzie is a journey through a spiritual crisis where James O'Donnell is forced to reevaluate his life when Lizzie is diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Together they travel through sickness and sorrow from Christmas in 1994 to July 2, 1996. While this book is filled with thirteen letters, James O'Donnell also provides a setting for each reading experience. At first you may question James' decision to relocate his family and take a cut in his salary to become a teacher, but as the story unfolds, you start to realize how God works in amazing ways to put you in a place you need to be so you can be loved and nurtured. Not only do they move close to an Advanced Research Center, the community they live in supports them and cares for them through their struggles with frustration, anger and failed expectations. As doctors struggle to keep Lizzie alive, she continues to weaken and yet manages to find the strength to write Letter Eight. Her strength and positive attitude wanes at times and yet even in this dark time she has a deep faith and commitment to God. In her letter she says: I know it has cost each of you dearly to ride this wild roller coaster with us, yet I am convinced that it is your prayers and God's mercy that have carried us through this ordeal so far, and I can't begin to thank you. The best way I know how is to share with you the wonderfully ordinary life we now live, which we no longer take for granted. ~Lizzie Written from a husband's perspective, James O'Donnell deftly describes the destructive qualities of the cancer diagnosis and gives insights into how to fight and how to surrender. I was surprised by the life affirming qualities of this work and how a story of cancer could be one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. Tomorrow my father will find out what it will take to fight his cancer and this book has helped me to understand how I should react, what I should say and how my life will change in the coming months and years. Like so many, I never thought cancer would invade my family and just the knowledge of illness causes you to reevaluate your priorities. If you are struggling with the emotional aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis or you are in the midst of fighting this disease, this book will bring comfort to your heart. In our world, where uncertainty is certain, this book provides a peaceful knowledge of God's care for us even when we think he has disappeare

Amazing story of trials and perseverance.

This true life story gripped me as I read about Lizzie's horrific battle to overcome amazing obstacles in miraculous ways. I became part of the story, cheering for Lizzie and fearing the worst with James. Once again, I'm reminded of the truly important things in life--love and family. This is true life heroism. A truly remarkable story with remarkable outcomes.

Letters for Lizzie

"Life is dangerous"...so begins the amazing journey of Jim and Lizzie O'Donnell as they battle for life and find an even deeper commitment to their faith in God. It is a heart-wrenching journey as you travel with them through the peaks and valleys of this illness that strikes many. Both men and women can relate, learn, grow, and understand how distance our ever present God can sometimes feel. Yet through the storm, Jim and Lizzie keep their faith, their love. You will laugh, cry, and be amazed at the strength of faith and family the O'Donnells share. Kudos kudos...a book well worth the read...

Must-read for those feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges

Lizzie O'Donnell is an inspiration to all who read about her many trials in "Letters for Lizzie". Her indomitable spirit and courage in the face of incredible odds are the stuff of legend. A very honest look at an incredible family.