I read this book. It took me a few months, because school limits my time to read books that I want to read. But months later, I finished it. Let me tell you, I have never had a book make me feel so many different things while reading it. I cried, laughed, felt sad, and even frustrated. I got emotionally involved in the book!
This book is about a woman's, Gwen Brobst, battle with cancer. It focuses on her and her husband's, Don Brobst (yes, the author), journey through the thirteen months of her having cancer. This book is so raw and honest. Don gives first hand glimpses into all the different situations Gwen and him had to deal with. It also includes different journal entries from Gwen, their daughters, and son. This isn't a book of made up fluff, but real and forthright accounts that the Brobst family dealt with. He doesn't just talk about the cancer but he explicitly shares about his and Gwen's love for each other. Do you like those Nicholas Spark love story books? Pshh, read this and you'll know what a real love story looks like; a love story filled with difficulties, prayer, passion, joy, and honesty. Don brings the reader back, to the earlier days in their relationship, to family vacations, to him being sick in the past, and sweet moments with Gwen and his family.
Reading about Gwen is mind blowing. Gwen seemed to be the perfect mix of strength and gentleness, sweet and fiesty, and firm and agile. Everyone she came in contact with, was touched by her. She didn't necessarily have to say anything to them (but she seemed to be able to start a conversation with anyone), but they were just touched by her demeanor; her infectious smile, beautiful hair, her dimple. It's funny how I talk about her like I know her, but that's how the book makes you feel! You close the book thinking you know Don, Gwen, even their kids and son in law--Wendy, Andi, Jonathon, and Jason (and I mean this in the most uncreepy was as possible, haha). I'm telling you, this family is beautiful and inspiring. Their strength, faithfulness to God and each other, and their love is something to definitely read about.
I think the biggest thing I took away while reading the book is that no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation we are in, God must be glorified; above all else, God is to always be glorified.
His will be done.
Some of my favorite parts in the book:
" God says in Isaiah 40: 29 that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. That's comforting, because that's me." - Gwen
" Yes, we matter to God. We count to him-- all of us." -Don
" I know who you are; you are the knight in shining armor running into the dragon's cave to rescue me. You are the warrior that climbs the tower to kiss me and take me away from the beast, You're the man my parents warned me about, the man I've always dreamed about...." -Gwen referring to Don
"Who is my dad? He is the first man who made me laugh...He is the first man who made me cry...He is the first man who took me out on father-daughter dates and taught me my worth in Christ's eyes...He is the man who disciplined according to God's Word...He is the man who not only taught about loving the Lord but also showed me how...He is the man who loves my mom more deeply than I ever could have imagined...He is the man who taught me that a marriage should be founded on the Lord..." - Andi referring to Don
There are so many great little things about the book. Like the way Gwen always called Don "mister" or the way everyone knew that Gwen was Don's girl, Andi always ended her posts by writing, "Pray for mom. She is Daddy's girl." It's little things like that, that i'm so glad they incorporated into the book. Those small details make the book so personal and intimate that it's hard not to want to keep reading, and loving each person that is mentioned in the book. What's cool about it, is that these people are not "characters" that are made up, but real people that exist and that are just as human as the rest of us. It encourages me to see that things are not easy at all, but with God...
With God, the circumstances change, perception changes...
Thank you Don for writing this book.
