Alice V. Benton

Beauty in Pain Alice V. Benton

Valerie Peterson is in middle of a nap on the living room couch when she hears her ten-year-old daughter say, "Mommy, mommy, you need to get up." Seconds later, Valerie learns that her sister, June, is clinging to life inside a hospital room-the victim of a car accident involving a drunk driver. It is Saturday, April 22, 2006, and Valerie's life has been forever changed by tragedy. As June lies helplessly in bed, the Peterson family believes they are all in agreement as to what is best for June. Unfortunately, they are not. Soon all the family members are victims themselves of the never-ending turmoil that surrounds life and death decisions. Comforted by her memories and overcome with trepidation, Valerie begins a tumultuous journey through the worst days of her life-a journey that culminates four days later with the horrifying news that June is dead. Now she must rely on her faith and inner strength to lead her through the darkness of grief to the light of healing and forgiveness. Based on true events, Beauty in Pain is the compelling and inspiring tale of one woman's personal fight to survive in the aftermath of loss.