I had been told about this book for a long time before I
finally decided to take the plunge. Many who know my pain encouraged me to read the
book. I kept saying it is too early, I can’t do it. Finally, I was at a retreat
sitting with a small group of new friends who were talking about the book. I
again told them that I was not ready: The wound was still too raw. I was in
tears. I could not even think about our loss without crying. This wonderful new
friend assured me that the book, though very difficult to read, was also very
healing.
OMG, what an amazing book. It Is a difficult read, especially
for anyone who has experience a great loss. In our case, the story hits VERY
close to home. The little girl in the story was abducted from the place where Miranda and I spent our last vacation, the last week she was with
me, the day before I sent her back to her birth family. When we left Willowa, I knew I was driving back to a very different world: a world without my Miranda. Granted I did see her a few times over the next 18 months, but after that weekend, I grieved the loss of her being in my home.
There are so many parallels between the story in The Shack
and my story. Beyond the geographical location, there is
the more obvious, abduction by a serial killer, missing child, no closure, no answers and the
multitude of emotions that go with all that.
Oh, did I forget to tell you. The Shack opens just 5 days before the 15th anniversary of Miranda's murder.
I am looking forward to the movie with mixed emotions. I
feel much like I did when I first read the book: I am afraid
to go but at the same time knowing I MUST go.
I will download the book tonight and start re-reading.
Again, with anticipation and anxiety.
#TheShack #MirandaGaddis
