Sharon Baldacci, A Sundog Moment

A Sundog Moment

Sharon Baldacci

Warner Center Street, Feb 2006, $10.95

ISBN: 1931722641

Michael and Elizabeth Whittaker are a loving, well-balanced couple, fluid like Astaire and Rogers in all they do. However, without warning, Elizabeth begins to become uncoordinated. Concerned they have her checked out, fearing a brain tumor. Though not that, both are stunned when Dr. Jones informs them she suffers from multiple sclerosis. Their harmonious world will never be the same.

Her family and friends react with horror, only adding to Elizabeth's sudden feeling of isolation from the secure world she knew. Her mom is over the edge; her best friend has no idea how to act with her; and her loving spouse fears leaving her on her own. Needing understanding not trepidation, Elizbath joins the Northern Neck Neuromuscular Support Group, but some members turn to marijuana for healing and pain relief. Instead Elizabeth turns to Father Wells who advices her to seek the sun where sundogs provide halos of hope when things seem it's darkest.

This insightful, inspirational character study will grip the audience from the moment that the heroine begins to comprehend that she has more than just an illness to battle; as caring relatives and buddies drive her up a wall. Elziabeth's search for solace goes through the five steps of grief as she struggles spiritually as much as emotionally especially as her body fails her. Though the realistic portrayal that makes this a strong novel at times slows down the pacing, Sharon Baldacci, an MS sufferer, provides a wonderful tale of a courageous woman.