Serious Challenges, Determined Faith

Missy is wife of Jase Robertson who stars with his family on television’s hit reality show, Duck Dynasty.  No doubt viewers feel they know everything about this family because of their series, but that is far from the truth.  This volume is partially an autobiography, and partially an account of the health crisis they have lived through with their youngest child, Mia.  This book is an eye-opening account of the ordeal they have traveled since before her birth.

Because of a sonogram done while Missy was pregnant, the family knew ahead of time that Mia would have a cleft lip.  However, how extensive it was, or if she would also have a cleft palate were unknown until the actual birth.  Having that foreknowledge did allow them to investigate what the best treatment options were, and where to get them.  That information served them well when Mia was born, and did have both conditions.

They vowed to help Mia, no matter what the cost.

This is a touching account of the numerous surgeries and onerous procedures Mia has undergone that began when she was seventeen days old.  Missy relates how financially strapped they were because of the expense involved with these treatments.  Their television show was not a part of their lives yet, and committing to getting this care for Mia was something they understood would take them years to pay for.  They vowed to do anything possible to help their child no matter what it would cost them.

Missy also explains that cleft lip and pallet surgery is more for health reasons than cosmetic reasons.  Without the procedures, a child can have many health problems including trouble breathing, eating and speaking.  She also has lots of helpful advice and encouragement for other parents of children that have these issues.

Some blessings come with difficulties.    

This book’s title is very descriptive of Missy and Jase’s life.  The family has been blessed with three children.  Their first two children, sons Reed and Cole, were born with no health problems, giving them two blessings.  Despite all they have gone through with their youngest child Mia, she is their third blessing.   The Robertsons believe that God has guided them through all the hard things they have faced.  Without their Christian faith, they do not know how they would have survived it all.

I think most fans of the show will be surprised to learn Jase and Missy have been living through such an extensive ordeal.  Despite the television episode that featured Mia before a surgery, I think the significance of her health issues, as well as, the seriousness of the operation, was down-played on the show.  Like me, viewers will be stunned to hear about this medical struggle they have been facing.

I hope there will be an additional book about Missy and Jase’s life that tells more of their story.  This 5-star book ends with the present day, so Mia is still in the midst of invasive treatments.  It would be great to have a future book that relates how Mia is doing.  I would also like to hear more about Reed and Cole.  Anyone who likes real-life stories, fans of Duck Dynasty or true medical stories will like this book.  I recommend it.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of Blessed, Blessed…Blessed, for the purpose of review.  I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Non-Profit Organization created by Jase, Missy & Mia:  MiaMoo.org

Author’s Website:  www.missyrobertson.com 

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/missy.w.robertson?fref=ts

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MissyDuckWife