Curative Measures

In 1977, 28-year-old Peter Ellsonn, a non-practicing physician in Northern California, loses his seven-year-old brother during a lightning storm when the boy is electrocuted in his front yard. His grief is unrelenting even 12 months later.

One night, Peter drives on a back road to try and quiet his mind. Without warning, a boy races in front of his car and Peter hits him. The collision propels Peter into action. He takes the Native American child, Joshua-Nathan, and speeds to the hospital. Peter discovers the child had been abused and traumatized at the orphanage from which he has escaped. Peter decides it is imperative for him to protect Joshua-Nathan from further harm.

Peter brings Joshua-Nathan home and begins the healing process. But trauma reenters their lives when, because of Peter’s escalating discord, he strikes Joshua. The boy later stabs the man, almost killing him, which consequently pushes Peter back toward his physician father. Ultimately, it’s Peter’s father’s love for his son and Peter’s love for Joshua-Nathan that brings Peter redemption and the child peace.

Read an excerpt from the book.