The Color of Rain by Michael & Gina Spehn

Get the tissues ready for this one! The Color of Rain is the true story of two young people who both lose a spouse to cancer and eventually find hope and healing when their two families join together.  The chapters alternate between Michael and Gina telling their stories.  Part One provides background information about the families, painting the picture of when life was good.  Part Two reveals their painful struggle while watching their spouses slip from this life to the next.  And Part Three is about hope and restoration...the promise of a new day.

This book hit home with me because these people are my age.  Their kids are the ages of mine.  Tragedy, cancer included, can swoop in and change lives very suddenly.  Through this story I am reminded to treasure the time now...the time when life is good.  Faith in God carried these families through.  Faith in the reality of heaven.  Faith that good can come from suffering.  Both Michael & Gina shared with a honesty and authenticity that I think will help others also walking through this type of loss.

As a result of their situation, the Spehns have created a foundation to help families of children who have lost a parent due to cancer.  (You can view more about this book and their ministry here.)  They are using their pain and loss to lead others to healing, which is what we're called to do.  This is definitely a story worth reading.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.