One of the most important blessings was a book I discovered right after Teri “Stepped on Heaven’s Shore” The book is called “The Color of Rain” How two families found Faith, Hope and Love in the midst of Tragedy. Specifically cancer.
In my case, especially the chapters 19 and 21 were almost identical to what we experienced. When I borrowed the book to my daughter, I told her to be alone and not have to go anywhere for an hour when she got to them. Those chapters ripped out my heart, stomped on it, then ran over it, backed up and ran over it again, but it was cleansing and I listened to it more than once. After that, the second half of the book continues the true story that gave me hope of a future for me and the kids. The book just came out in October, and there’s hints that it’ll be made in a movie.
If you get a chance, here’s the youtube video of the story. It’s just 3 minutes long. I bought the book on AMazon for $12 and I also bought the audiobook so I could listen while working out. I liked the audiobook better because it was read by Michael and Gina and I could hear in their voices the things I was experiencing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHirn26nhYU
Bless You, and let me know if I can help you in any small way.
Steve
And here’s a review
The Color of Rain by Michael & Gina Spehn was an amazing book. As silly as it may seem, I’m one of those that are attracted (or not attracted) to the cover of a book. When I first picked this book up the colors on the cover were very appealing to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read; however, I rarely have the time – so little things (like the cover) are important.
Throughout my life, I have enjoyed all types of books but I have always loved when it’s a true story. They seem so real, so raw and regardless if it is a good story, a sad story or any story – it could be your story. The Color of Rain touched me emotionally because I lost my dad from cancer when I was only 12 years old. The authors were great at painting a detailed picture and it was as if I could see what was happening as I was reading. It was a hard book to put down and I could have read it in one day if I didn’t have a family that needed me. I definitely recommend reading The Color of Rain.
In all honesty, this is my first book review. I’m not sure what else to say without spoiling it so I will give you the description as it is on Zondervan’s website:
This real-life Brady Bunch story is about what it means to endure the unthinkable—and still open one’s heart to what’s next. When two childhood friends die of cancer six weeks apart, the shared experience of loss brings their grieving spouses together. After months of late-night phone calls, family dinners, and countless dreams and tears, this unlikely pair builds a trust, a love, and a shared life. Told from alternating points of view, The Color of Rain illuminates the stepping-stones of healing that lead to a joyful new beginning for Michael and Gina Spehn and their five children. Like many who grieve, Michael and Gina had to choose to hope again. Along the way, they discovered that God can restore the darkest circumstances—and even from death, He can bring new life. Michael and Gina’s gripping story of “growing new hearts” will inspire readers not only to survive loss but also to receive the new courage, faith, and identity that God gives in the midst of tragedy.
