Five Days Left

First I would like to say that I am surprised that this book did not get more attention.  Maybe it was the subject matter or maybe it was because there are so many books on loss.  This book deals with two very different people who are facing loss. 

The first, Mara has Huntington's Disease.  She was adopted so her parents had no idea she carried the gene. This is what I found written by the Mayo Clinic Staff.  Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders.

Most people with Huntington's disease develop signs and symptoms in their 30s or 40s, but the onset of disease may be earlier or later in life. Medications are available to help manage the symptoms of Huntington's disease, but treatments can't prevent the physical, mental and behavioral decline associated with the condition.  The bottom line is there is no cure.  Mara is no longer able to work and is having trouble managing everyday life.  She has a husband and a young child and does not want them to see her deteriorate any further.

Scott is facing a different type of loss.  He and his wife Laurie have been foster parents to this young boy whose Mom went to prison.  It has been a year, a year where Scott has become very attached to this little boy and thinks of him as a son. The Mom is being released and wants her son back.  Even though he and Laurie are expecting their own child a girl, Scott is devastated at the thought of losing Curtis.  But he has five days left or does he?  I really enjoyed this book.  It is a good read.  Give it a shot. For more information follow this link Five Days Left.