Author Nadine Raal was about to have her first baby, her husband Stewart’s third child. Like any nervous first-time mother she was over the moon when Zack was born, but then came the tragic news – her son was suffering from a congenital heart defect and required immediate open-heart surgery.
Yet this was only the start of the family’s trials and tribulations in Zack’s first year. Following the operation, specialists were unhappy with his progress and, upon further inspection, specialist “Dr K” broke the bad news as kindly as possible: “We are just so worried about your baby.” Zack required further high-risk surgery and was to struggle with serious health issues for the first few years of his life.
From the outset, Raal, to her great credit, presents her own frailties and imperfections as a woman and mother in trying to deal with the trauma and heartache of seeing her son and her family suffer. She battles with constant anxiety and stress, has rows with her “rock” of a husband, breaks down in front of medical staff. But, under the circumstances, a bit of imperfection seems absolutely normal.
Mending a Broken Heart, while faithfully telling of Zack’s bravery in his extremely trying formative years, and delving into Raal’s own insecurities and anxieties, also bears testimony to the fantastic work done by the doctors, nurses and specialists at the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Unit at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg.
In this very readable and drama-filled book, they and Zack emerge as the real heroes of the piece.
“My son’s railroad scar down the centre of his chest is now his badge of honour and healing,” says Raal, who has referred to the unit as a “national treasure”.
Incidentally, Nadine Raal is a journalist and writer with strong Durban connections. While living in this city for many years, the Canadian-born singer fronted the country-rock outfit Famous Curtain Trick, which toured South Africa and was a regular attraction on the Durban music circuit in the 90s.
Publisher: Jacana Media
Review: Garth Johnstone
ISBN: 978-1-77009-909-8
1 Comment
What an amazing read! I have faced my share of medical troubles with my son and commend Nadine on a book well written and more importantly for telling your story so openly and honestly, thank you.