I am, by nature, a slow reader and finding the time to read when your life is ruled by a tyrannical two-year old is nearly impossible. Needless to say I am a little overdue in writing this review.
But I am certainly glad I did find the time to read and savor every poignant word of A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot, by Matt Mooney.
The reader is drawn to Mooney in the beginning for his humility. He paints himself an everyman, full of insecurities and self-doubt, full of questions about his choices and his worthiness to his loving wife, Ginny. He shares the struggles they had as a new couple. He tells of his feelings of fear and even denial upon learning that he was going to be a father.
He is real.
And because of this you feel his pain when he and Ginny are told their son would likely die in-utero. But Eliot didn’t die as expected; he was born and lived 99 days filled with adoration, faith and love. The heartbreak and joy in their words is tangible to the reader.
Much of the story is told through dated excepts written by both Mooney and his wife as they lived it, so it feels as if you are by their sides as they go through the miracles and heartaches.
It’s a beautiful journey and one that I am thankful to have a glimpse of through reading A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot.
Mooney’s strong Christian faith is prominent throughout the book and the beauty of it shines through.
At the risk of sounding corny and even a little cliché, I believe that this book has made me a better person, and in turn a better wife and mother. It has shown to me the importance of being thankful for every moment that I am given and to treasure the gifts that are bestowed no mater what trials may come.
Author, Matt Mooney
For that, I would like to whole-heartedly thank the Mooneys for sharing this touching story of life, pain, love and unconditional faith. Whether you are a parent or not, even if loss has never touched your life, as a human, you deserve to read this book.
To purchase A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot click here.
99 balloons were launched at Eliot’s funeral, one to represent each precious day he spent on this earth with his family. Watch the touching video here.
Disclaimer: As a Beacon Hill Off the Shelf Blogger, I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are entirely my own. I was not financially compensated to write this review.
