Heartbreak Summary and Analysis

The operation that is supposed to take five hours, takes ten. Maranda bleeds an exorbitant amount and is transfused twice her normal amount of blood during the surgery. Maranda recovers and is leading a normal life. She has no seizures and just walks with a slight limp—which she had prior to the surgery as well. Even thought part of her brain is taken in the surgery, her young age allows her brain functions to transfer to other areas of the brain thus avoiding major disability. Ben's operation brings national and media acclaim. Maranda and her parents appear on the Phil Donohue show. Ben is invited but doesn't want to jeopardize his appearance before the boards to receive his final certification. He did not want them to think he was a "hot dog."

The operation receives attention from the national...