Sixtyfive Roses ~ The Book: A Sister’s Memoir

For those not in the “know” ~ “sixtyfive roses” is often what little kids call their disease when they find “cystic fibrosis” too cumbersome to pronounce. The term was coined by the Foundation and has been used for decades, citing this story about a CF mom and her young son.

I just completed reading Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister’s Memoir by Heather Summerhayes Cariou by nearly plowing through it inside a few days time. This powerful tale speaks to anyone who has been touched by chronic illness in general and not just CF. The way the author is able to completely draw the reader into the emotion and reality of the situation leaves you feeling very much a part of each interaction.

Heather’s little sister, Pammy, was four years when she was officially diagnosed with CF, and her family was told there wasn’t much time.  Heather and the rest of the Summerhayes family did the best they could to make things as normal as possible, for as long as possible.  This blatantly honest tale of how Heather weathered the storms of her sister’s illness is especially poignant in as much as you can feel her anger, her rage, and her love throughout the book.

Heather expertly describes how her family’s reactions and the reactions of those surrounding them affected their every day living and what coping with these issues did to their family.  Although their story takes place a few decades ago, the reality of the situation transcends time and is completely applicable to today.

Pam defied the odds and finally lost her battle in 1980, when she was 26 years old.  Through her own determination, the determination of her family and the constant love and support from the medical staff and friends, Pam’s life was very full and very inspiring.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring tale.

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