As some of you may have noticed, there have been numerous comments posted over the last several months to the effect of publishing Amy's blog in book form. We've also received several emails and personal offers to help us do just that. Well, the intent of this post is to inform you that a book was in the works by Amy, and is now one of my top priorities.
She initially started to compile her blog postings with added commentary and details, but after ninety-some pages decided she wanted to do something a little different. So, she started from scratch, from the beginning, all over again... and got a good portion written up. It is my goal to finish what she started, as well as to include this blog, and her other, private, blog into one work. This is a massive undertaking in some respects and I don't have a time frame. However, I am striving to finish within a year and will continue to post progress updates and other information on this blog.
And Katie, if you're still reading this... I don't know what suffering, struggles, or trials you have in your life right now that would have you try to take your own life; and I won't pretend to have all the answers for you. But, I wanted to let you know you are being prayed for, and that if you ever wanted me to try to explain where Amy's strength and faith came from you can feel free to write me at the email address posted in the sidebar.
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43 comments:
How wonderful! I had thought about the book idea but hadn't made the comment. A couple of my blog friends have had their blogs published using Cafe Press.
At any rate, I'm so glad you will continue to post progress notes!
God Bless!!
Brandon...
This is wonderful news...and so God glorifying...just as Amy lived her life during this firey trial in faith trusting that He would use it for His glory! Thank you for continuing this blog...I visit it daily for news of you and Gary and Amy's family!!
Blessings...
Debi
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, just so thankful to get another update. I couldn't fathom "an ending" to Amy's story. I am so glad that there will be a book. Count me in for a copy. Shanda
Awesome!! Man I can't wait, what a testimony of our sweet Amy's life and faith. I so miss her, I have even gone back and read her blog from the beginning again.
She has given me so much hope in my walk and dependancy on a loving Soverign God.
I love to read her words and many times I felt as though she was speaking to me about different circumstances in may life and struggles. I know they did not compare to hers but everyone's pain is there's to own and deal with.
I pray for you and your sweet baby boy. I pray the Lord is close and you have peace.
Thankyou for the update I still check in often and want to know how ya'll are.
Blessings!
That sounds fantastic, Brandon. Amy and I used to joke about writing a dark comedy about this...but I'm sure that this will be better. :)
If you ever need an extra set of eyes for editing/proofing, let me know.
Brandon...I have been coming back every day hoping that you would post, to know you are okay and that God is giving you the strength to carry on. This post was an added bonus. A book would be so incredible, as Amy inspired and ministered to SO many.
I pray for you and Gary each day, just as I prayed for you guys and Amy each day for the past year. I honestly have had so much faith in our Lord restored through Amy's ordeal and her sharing her continued faith in Christ.
I'll be one of the first in line to buy the book and extra copies for all those that I love!
Hugs and prayers...
Brandon,
You and Gary continue to be in my prayers. May you find a peace and joy in finishing the literary work your sweet wife started. Her faith and strength continue to inspire me - she fought so hard to stay with you and your son - I wonder often if I wouldn't just want to give up in the face of suffering, if I would have the strength to suffer so in order to stay with my family. I pray I never have to know the answer to that question, but I do know that in every moment with my family, I appreciate what I have so much more simply because I get to have those moments. I don't know if I'd have felt so appreciative without "knowing" Amy and her story.
God Bless you.
I agree with debi....what I first thought was what a wonderful way to glorify the Lord through Amy's powerful testimony. A book would make a way for more to hear about her love to a faithful God. It would be honoring to the Lord as well as be a precious memory of her sweet life for all of us to cherish. Through the extreme trial she and you all have endured, God was always at the forefront of her words here on her blog. God was glorified through that. And, what a wonderful thing for Gary to have and read.
Amy showed me how to face trials with faith. Have you read John Piper's book, The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in...Future Grace? I am reading it now. It would encourage you greatly. I think it is one of those books I will need to read over and over again.
Brandon, I am praying for you today.
Thank you for the beautiful post. Your strength, and the strength of your love for each other and our Lord, are a continuing inspiration. We are praying for all of you...and now we'll add Katie too, wherever she is.
That is so awesome! I was hoping you would!
Many prayers are being lifted up for your family!
~Gina
oh this will be an amazing book to read - Sunshine
Brandon,
It was a refreshing drink of cool water to read your post today. A reminder of how good and faithful Christ is. With every word you and Amy write, I am pointed directly to my Savior. Thank you for that! I am praying for you and Gary. I am so grateful that you are continuing the book your precious wife began. I will pray for the book as well.
Thank you for continuing to share your lives with us.
God Bless!
Leigh Taylor
That is such an amazing thing to do...not only as a tribute to Amy but as a way to glorify God through the process of what she endured. Amy touched us all through her faith, courage, and outlook. I know there were very dark days, but through it all her trust in a sovereign God was such an encouragement to me.
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for updating your blog. I check it often!
May God hold you all in the palm of His mighty hand.
Happi in IL
After watching my grandfather die with cancer I never thought I could feel that way again. Although I never knew Amy or you and your family, I feel the same now as I did then. I've been following your blog now since about Christmas and I have to say that I am dumbfounded at your journey. If there is a book, I will pay what I have to to get it sent to Canada. The world could use many more people like Amy. Her strength is a gift from God. Bless you and your family.
Amanda
What a blessing! I can't wait till it is finished so that I can purchase a copy! Amy was such a blessing while she was here. And I know that with a book like that she will be a blessing for years to come! I'll be praying for you as you put it all together!
We are still much in prayer for you and your family as well.
That is neat!God will help you write it.
Hi,
I am still reading and will continue to if that's okay. Amy had so much courage and strength.
Thank you for your prayers. I don't know how to respond to that except to say, once again, that I have been touched by Amy's story. She seems like a wonderful person with lots of wonderful people in her life.
I used to have a blog myself, but deleted it. I feel bad mentioning my suicide attempts on a blog of someone who had such life in the face of her own death. I'm sorry for that. I hope your book goes well and I am sure Amy will touch the lives of many, many people. I know she has mine.
Katie
Katie,
I once was where you are, and Amy's grandma (whom she is now with in heaven) helped me more than I can say. That was about 30 or so years ago, and I am so thankful she was there and I am still here. I am praying for you as are many others. Take care, dear, and please keep writing so we know how you are. We love you.
I just found your blog through several others and wanted to say that I'm so sorry for your loss. Your sweet wife has touched my heart even from heaven. You will be in my prayers.
Brandon, I have been following Amy's blog and praying for a long time now. I am so thankful to hear of the book Amy had started... and how you want to finish what she began. What a gift to her... helping her leave even more of the legacy she desired. You and little Gary continue to be in my prayers as you adjust to this new life with sweet Amy in Heaven.
And a note for Katie... this is the only way I know how to speak to her...
Katie~
Are you who I'm thinking you are? Whose blog I used to read for a brief time? Is it you? Dear one, if it is, I have missed your words and your stories. You have been on my heart, especially because of the hints you had given regarding the suicidal thoughts. I have been there and it is SO DARK... how I understand the darkness and how scary and hopeless it feels. My brother told me once, when I just couldn't seem to die, thinking I wanted to so badly and trying in several ways to get there, he said "It's because God isn't done with you yet, don't you realize that?" I will never forget that statement. Katie, I'm not sure if you're the girl I'm remembering... regardless, it doesn't matter because you're here and you're seeking and you're alive. I'm so thankful you're ALIVE. Please remember you are not alone...
Much love to both of you, Brandon and Katie (Amy's new reader)...
love, calissa
COOL! I can't wait, I will be the first in line to purchase the book! :) Your family has been one that has helped me start to be emotional toward my Heavenly Father. I had lost it and now it's found...and for that, I want to thank you! I can't wait to see what you guys share with the world in the form of a book.
Blessings & Prayers,
Tamara
Amy's life and death have given me new perspective on life! Just tonight I was scrubbing the toilets and instead of complaining on the inside, I thanked God for what he's given me! I will always remember how Amy had that dream of being at home and cleaning toilets,and how happy the dream was! Wow, now that's positve perspective! I will not take anything forgranted, even mundane tasks like srubbing toilets! What an awesome idea to publish a book! I would buy it and read it over and over again! Amy is with the Lord now, but her legacy is still touching people (ie "Katie"). What an awesome God we serve who can turn tragedy into inspiration and strength for those of us who need it!!! Praise the Lord!
IN Christ,
Angela
Wonderful news about the book, Brandon! Amy is still touching people's lives in the best of ways.
Hello Amy's family~
I have been reading for quite awhile and responding every now and then..
Amy was so encouraging to everyone and I send my deepest sympathy to all.
The book sounds like a Best Seller and I look forward to the release date. It will be an inspiration to all who read.
GOD Bless you and give you strength during this sorrowful time.
Peace and Love to all....
Phyllis from Indiana PA.
It's good to "hear" from you again. Hope to be reading from cover to cover soon.
I know of at least 400 people who would probably buy a book about Amy's story...I sent Amy an email one time with the subject line, "Hi Amy....you are in my prayers, daily....I believe in miracles and I plan to read an AWESOME testimony on your blog that will bring people to their knees". I believe Amy's testimony will bring people to their knees...I was just hoping that Amy would be living on earth to see it.
This is a great idea. I had no idea that Sis. Amy was preparing a book. There will be much to share in that book that can help others that go through similar struggles with their health and still can stay focused on the Lord through it all. Our family and our church are still praying for y'all.
Brandon,
I'm again amazed at the strength of your family and your faith. You will be happy to know that tonight I met a wonderful woman here at Barnes who knew Amy and even received a pair of Anita's mittens. She first met Amy when she worked in housekeeping and now has moved up to night tech. She spoke very fondly of your entire family. Her name is Teresa and she said that there are a lot of people on 5th and 6th floors feeling the emptiness around this place. I told them it wasn't empty because now Amy was everywhere helping all of us in a different and more personal way.
I also think the book is a great idea. Such a smart girl that Amy. Thank you for continuing her legacy.
Bless your family!
And a copy here. Life flew by and I went a couple weeks without checking in for an update. I'm only finding out that Amy went home right now. My mother-in-law passed away earlier this year from cancer. We're helping to care for my husband's younger siblings now. So in some ways . . . I know.
I would definitely love a copy of Amy's book and will keep checking back for updates.
I'm so sorry (truly) and at the same time, I'm smiling (through the tears) because I know she's with my MIL worshiping their savior together. And THAT is a beautiful thought.
I am so glad you are going to get this published. It is an awesome story. I am so glad Katie found Amy!
Brandon,
This is Julie Lind from Phoenix. I'm extraordinarily sorry for your and Gary's loss. Amy's life was beautiful and all the more so, for your sharing it with her.
I am writing to offer legal advice for your book when you get to that point. I work for a lawyer who has done book deals and is very good at negotiating deals. For friends and for this type of effort, it would be very affordable.
You have my prayers, my sympathy and my support for all that you do.
Kiss that beautiful boy for me. If you get our way, please call.
jalind@juno.com
I'm so glad to hear this! What wonderful news. I hope you'll continue to post updates when you have the time.
Katie, you are in my prayers. There are many people who love and care about you.
Blessings to you all.
Wonderful! I was thrilled to click on Amy's link and find this update! Praise the Lord...count me in for a copy of her book. Blessings and continued prayer for you-Heather
I'm looking forward to a book... I just know it will be an INSPIRATION. You have been such a tremendous testimony through this all... I hope to one day be so strong.
Brandon,
I worked with Steve and have never met Amy but he gave me her blog last year. I have followed it faithfully. My sister has cancer and she didn't have the strength to fight so we are now in the final stages of her life. I feel had she been able to share Amy's story, strength, and will things might have been different. I don't know, however, I do know that I think a book will save millions of lives. Amy's fight to live and her continued faith was a miracle in my eyes. There are so many others who give up and need to know that they can fight this Cancer war. Each battle that is fought and won is a step towards success. I know that the sacrifice Amy made, and you Brandon as her husband, will enable other patients to live. They have gained so many medical answers from Amy's battles. And we as Christians have gained so many answers from her faith. Thank you for being with her throughout.
I keep coming back...I miss Amy.
I wish I had a family like you do. You are very lucky.
Katie
Brandon, I am so sorry for your loss. In the short time that I followed your blog I was touched by your sweet Amy. I continue to hold your family close in prayer. I found your site because a few months ago it was mentioned on the site I follow for a little girl named Ashley. Her mom Trish asked us to pray for Amy. And now little Ashley is really struggling and could use many prayer warriors to be praying for her. I know there are many here so if y'all could be in prayer for healing for Ashley and strength for the family that would be so wonderful. http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much! Martha
Praying for you and Gary today.
God Bless!
Leigh
Amazing!! Absolutely amazing. The thought has crossed my mind several times for a book about Amy but I never considered saying anything to you. What a tribute for little Gary to have and treasure as he grows. I will be praying for your strength to write it. May this journey while writting bring you warmth and love. God bless you for your endless efforts. I have told Amy's story to so many people since she has gone to be with the Lord and it is amazing to see their response, they too are astonished by Amy's faith and in turn God is glorified. With much thought and prayers for you and Gary.
April Martin
Brandon, I just took the time to read the comments and noticed what I had in common with so many others, we truely are so thankful that you posted on the blog. I was checking it daily, then with much crying, decided to not to check, assuming that you may not post again. Truely thank you.
April
I just found you blog last week.
My duaghter was diagnosed with AML last November. She was 9 1/2 months old at the time. All chemo was finished April 1st of this year and at this time she is still in remission.
Thank you for blogging and good luck with the book.
I would love to read this book! Unfortunately due to my dyslexia, reading long materials isn't an option. Will the publisher be putting this out on tape?
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