I really cared about these folks!
596221
I enjoyed the whole book because the author really made these characters come to life for me.
Even though I had hundreds of books on the Kindle waiting to be read, I immediately bought the sequel to see how it worked out for these folks.
If I'm ever in a pickle like this one, please let there be a Carl conveniently nearby.
2941418
I didn't want this book to end because I was enjoying it so much. I really felt as though I knew Rex and Bettie personally. It was fortunate that so many of Bettie's letters had been saved because they allowed the reader to see many of the events through her eyes. This was a true military family in every sense of the word. While I'm sure moving around so much wasn't easy on the children, it certainly must have  helped to shape their characters and I truly envied their lives. What fascinating parents to have grown up with!
2251070
OMG I loved this book because it's helped me to appreciate the smaller details in life...even made me cry. All three girls are an inspiration. I wish them all a great life and I know they would live their lives to the fullest!!
302305
I really enjoyed the story and the depth of feeling that you gave the entire cast of people . All were really true friends. All care and loving was shared and your writing kept me interested to see what was going to happen next. I couldn't put the book down!
893244
I read this book over the weekend.  It was definitely a learning experience for me to read about how we deal with death and chronic illnesses such as dementia in our culture.  Oscar served more as a facilitator for Dr. Dosa to uncover the more critical message - the affect his patients' illnesses had on their family members.  The stories he heard even changed how he looked at and lived his own life.  Dr. Dosa decided he could no longer live on autopilot, but decided that he needed to slow down and cherish each moment.

 I think it is important to have the discussion of whether we want to be poked and proded at the end of life and how important it is for our loved ones to be there even if dementia may have caused us to forget their names.  I was especially gripped by Saul's situation with his daughter and that of Ruth Rubenstein and her husband Frank.  I am tearing up again!  I am thankful that my grandmother who is 89 and in a care facility right now can communicate her wishes.  My heart goes out to those who have to cope with the "unlearning" process and slow deterioration of loved ones with dementia.  Story short - read this book! (Be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby.)
3426024
Dave, you and I were very close friends throughout our late teens and 20's - more like an extended family. We lived through many of the experiences you describe early in the book. With both our lives becoming more complicated in our 30's, I regret how we grew apart. The moment you introduced me to Carol was the instant I knew all the hopes and dreams you sacricificed for and worked so hard to attain were finaly coming true. I had no idea of the inner turmoil and feelings you experienced during the adoption process. Thank you, David, for writing this book for all of us, and in particular for allowing me to catch up on the last ten years of your life. I was deeply touched by your words and I feel like "family" again. While reading the book, it was almost like being there during the entire process. Sitting on the couch in your Mom and Dad's house as you bravely told them about your decision to convert, by your side as you got the disappointing news about infertility, standing on your shoulder as you completed the dossier, and lending a sympathetic ear as you explained the pain and frustration of the waiting process. Having seen Julia and Rachel shortly after you brought them home and again a few weeks ago (4 1/2 years later), the differences are remarkable! You are an incredible family and you and Carol have clearly found happiness and joy in your lives. May your wishes always continue to come true!
4160994
I found this book to be a pleasant surprise. In the wake of Sept. 11th, many of us have changed our perspectives on the world and what truly matters. Todd and Susan Montgomery have taken a very thoughtful and heartfelt look at what really matters most, our friends and family. I personally celebrated the pictures used in this book. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, but above all they made me think. The Montgomery's have contributed to our national perspective and truly aided in the post-911 healing process. Todd and Susan - thank you!! I'm sure you are both wonderful people, and I'd welcome the chance to say so in person.
4460942
I loved Bill and Jen before reading the book but after I finished it, I love and respect them so much more.  I had no idea how much both of them have been through just to have functioning legs and backs, and poor Jen with her neck. But despite it all, they have such a positive outlook and are the best parents for Will and Zoey.  I feel like I already know them not only because I'm a NICU nurse, had infertility, and am a parent but because they are so down to Earth and just like the rest if us!
3300547
I felt the characters come to life!  Oh & what a story they had to tell. Touched my heart & really makes you think how good you have it when others have gone through so much.
4566077
I really enjoyed this, I felt like I was there with them! Total respect for these hero's !
This was really well written and captured what it must be like to have big brass ones!  RLTW !!!
1446500
These people are Angles. I have visited their place many times and even spent the night in order to get to visit the animals and help out as much as possible.  I just love these two great animal lovers and am so thankful for their dedication to so many precious ones that get the daily love . no matter what condition they are in.
2893420
Since my ancestors were in the country and fought for freedom, I enjoyed reading the accounts of what it was like. I have connected with my people in such a wonderful way and I hope they lived well and am so thankful for them giving their all for our wonderful country. I have such pride in them.
2943421
I loved the way they were true with their feeling and didn't try to hide anything from each other. Probably because Gray as GM, and Ryker as a goalie on her team had to hide from everyone else! Loved these characters and that we got to see the whole gang again!
4803569
Having the opportunity to meet Jillian, Scott and T before even knowing about the book and to spend 2 months basically touring with them as a family is something I appreciate even more now.  I have seen them with T, met the French Nanny  and am so proud of all of them for pushing through and not giving up. The Shriners are great people who I truly respect.
1607361
I loved looking at the lives of these friends of Christ from Omar's perspective, and I thank him for tying in the social justice aspect.  I cannot stop thinking about Blessed Franz in Chapter 2, one single man who stood up among many, and ultimately gave his life, for Christ.  He refused to sell out, as did the other ten in this book, and they by no means were perfect people. They were human, sin-inclined people, just as we are, who answered the call to Christ's love, and only then could they live their lives and stand in this world as who they were really called to be.  Invoking their prayers at the end of each chapter was enriching. This inspiring book is good for Christians on any part of their faith journey, and I felt it to be quite a fitting teaching tool for my daughter who is preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.  Thanks for writing, Omar!
3431438
Very few of us are privileged to share the close bond reflected in this touching story. I cried while reading this endearing account of saying goodbye to a best friend and the loving perspective of those who have passed before us having to let go of those still in this world as we know it. I highly recommend this book!
2133456
I've known Harriet and Jerry almost my entire life; they have been a surrogate family to me since I first met them when I was two years old and they were newly married. So, I hesitated at first to read this book, feeling it would be too difficult and sad for me to revisit this experience and loss. But, while I definitely shed many tears reading it, it was not sad. I found it heartfelt, loving,  positive, hopeful, and offering great guidance for me and everyone who experiences loss in their life. I should have expected no less from Harriet - and she delivered! I recommend this book - and the opportunity to share in her wisdom, hope, and love of life - to everyone.