Cerak Newell - Mistaken identity: two families, one survivor, unwavering hope

We have been hesitant to write this book. As you will soon discover, this story is not as simple as it appears. It involves more than our two families and a bizarre case of mistaken identity. While many people were indirectly impacted by the events you are about to read, seven families other than our own were directly and tragically impacted. Four of those families suffered and continue to suffer from the loss of their precious loved ones: the families of Laurel Erb, Brad Larson, Betsy Smith, and Monica Felver. Three individualsConnie Magers, Vickie Rhodes, and Michelle Millerall staff members at Taylor University, lived through the horrible moments of April 26, 2006, and their lives will never be the same.

Out of respect to these people and many others, we chose not to write a blow-by-blow account of all that happened on the night of the accident. Nor do we want to give the impression that our story somehow supersedes those of the others involved. We are keenly aware that the only reason our story stands out is due to the unique situation surrounding the mistaken identity that thrust this story into the national spotlight. Neither of our families asked for nor enjoyed the attention we received. Were both very private families, and to have our lives thrown open before the world caused us discomfort.

We were also hesitant to write this book due to concern for Whitney herself. At the onset of her recovery and healing process, she often said she did not want to be known as that girl. Her hope was for this all to quiet down, for a chance to be normal again. She did not want the attention.

However, in the days and months following the unique reversal of May 31, 2006, many people from around the world contacted both our families, telling us how God had used our experience to speak to their lives. As we prayed for God to help us understand the hows and the whys around these events, our hearts became open to sharing this story as a way to encourage others. At the one-year memorial of the accident, our two families sat down together for breakfast and immediately felt a kindred spirit. At that time, Whitney shared how she was beginning to see how God could use this story for greater good. As we talked, we sensed that the time was right to share what you are about to read.

In the discussions that followed, we wrestled with the right approach to telling this story. Many people played a part in this drama, each with a unique perspective and their own story to tell. Finding a way to blend so many voices proved to be a daunting task. Finally, we settled upon simply writing the book from the vantage point of each family, describing the events as they unfolded around us. In order to help you experience what we experienced, weve re-created the events and conversations. In order to keep the story moving, we at times chose to combine events that took place over several days into one event. To protect the privacy of those involved, we often use only first names, or on rare occasions, names have been changed. However, none of the events within this story have been enhanced or over-dramatized. We actually lived through everything you are about to read.

It is a horrible thing to lose a child. Yet even in the midst of the worst of tragedies, God reveals Himself. These are not just words we use to keep our spirits up during difficult days. We have experienced this revealation for ourselves. Above all things, this is the message we hope to convey. This is a story about Gods grace and His love for us that transcends the worst this world can dish out.

None of us are in any way unique or special. We are simply average people who have accepted Gods love for us, demonstrated through Jesus Christs death and resurrection. God has proven Himself faithful to each of us, giving comfort and strength when in our humanness we were in great need. And His faithfulness has deepened our trust in Him.

The story of how two girls, Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerak, could be mistaken for each other may seem fantastic and unbelievable, yet thats not the real story here. This book is really about how God has sustained two families through His grace.

We hope after all that is said on these pages, you see it is really all about Him.

Colleen Cerak woke up with a start to the sound of the phone ringing. Her eyes could barely focus as she tried to make out the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was nearly two in the morning, Wednesday, May 31. When she finally reached the phone, she thought she recognized the voice on the other end as a man identified himself as the Grant County coroner. The same man had called five weeks earlier, telling her that Whitney, her eighteen-year-old daughter, had died in an accident along with three other Taylor University students and a university employee. That call also came late at night. Why would the coroner call me in the middle of the night now? she wondered.

The county chaplain is monitoring this call, the coroner told her. Then he asked what struck Colleen as a very strange question.

Are you alone?

What? Yes. I mean no, she said. Carly, my daughter, is home with me.

Would you please ask her to listen in on this conversation?

If she hadnt been so asleep, Colleen might have asked why it mattered if she were alone, and why the coroner had called at such an ungodly hour. But she didnt. Her body was awake, but her mind hadnt caught up with it yet. She climbed out of bed, walked across the hall to Carlys room, and woke her up. I need you to listen in on this call. Im going downstairs to get the other phone. Dont hang up, Colleen said.

Carly was sound asleep when her mother threw the cordless phone on her bed. What? You want me to do what? Why? Carly asked, but Colleen had already started down the stairs. Half asleep, but already panicking, Carly put the phone to her ear. She listened as her mother asked the man to identify himself again. The moment she heard him say he was the coroner, Carly felt sick to her stomach.