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The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life
A love story and an inspirational tale of recovery and self-discovery, Marie Tillman opens up for the first time about her marriage to ex-NFL star Pat Tillman, and her journey to rebuild her life after his death.In 2003, Pat Tillman, serving in the US Army, hastily wrote a "just in case" letter to his wife, Marie. When he returned on leave before his departure to Afghanistan, he placed the letter on top of their bedroom dresser. For months it sat there, sealed and ever-present, like a black hole through which Marie knew her stable life would be pulled if she ever had reason to open it. Then, in April 2004, Marie's worst nightmare came true. In the days following his death, it was Pat's letter that kept her going and, more than that, it was his words that would help her learn to navigate a world she could no longer share with her husband.In The Letter, Marie's talks for the first time about her journey to remake her life after Pat's death. In it, she recalls meeting and falling in love with Pat when they were kids, his harrowing decision to join the army after 9/11, and the devastating day when she learned he'd been killed. She describes how she withdrew from the public spotlight to grieve, learning along the way the value of solitude, self-awareness and integrity in the healing process. And, finally, Marie recounts her work to rebuild her life, including founding The Pat Tillman Foundation, an organization established to carry forth Pat's legacy of leadership, and her decision to step back into the public eye in order to inspire people to live with meaning and purpose.Filled with the lessons Marie learned and the wisdom she gained since Pat's death, The Letter is both a heartrending love story and an inspiring tale for anyone, young or old, whose life has taken an unexpected hard turn -- and who struggles to get back on the right path.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
34 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 24, 2016
I purchased this short memoir after reading Jon Krakauer's book Where Men Win Glory, which is one telling of the Pat Tillman story.
The Letter was written by Pat's widow, Marie Tillman, and turned out to be a nice compliment to Krakauer's book as it explored the very sensational story from a completely different and very intimate angle.
I found this book to be both beautiful and compelling. I'm not sure what assistance Marie Tillman had with writing it, if any--the prose are simple and straight forward--but it was extremely effective and moving.
Titled after the "just in case" letter Pat left for his wife, The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life is truly an exploration of their love, her loss, and her life after Pat's death. I was/am immensely impressed and inspired by both Pat and his wife, who are truly remarkable people, and their stories.
I cried. I laughed. Then I cried again.
Some passages that I found particularly poignant and insightful:
Though Marie was only twenty-seven when Pat was killed, they had been together for eleven years and had known each other for most of their lives. I can't imagine--don't want to imagine--what it's like to lose your other half at such a young age and then to have it be such a public affair.
In the end, Pat decided to join the army because he believed that after the 9/11 attacks it was his duty to serve his country even though his decision meant giving up a multi-million dollar contract and maybe his professional football career and worse, leaving his beloved wife Marie behind.
When Pat was killed, a victim of fratricide, the army/Washington saw an opportunity to put a positive spin on a rather damning event for a war that was losing public support, and so they misled the family and the public into believing Pat was ambushed by the Taliban and not killed by his own men. Ironically, in doing so they selfishly exploited Pat, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Although the military's deceit is mentioned, it is not the focus. Instead, this book centers around Marie and Pat's relationship and her personal struggles and healing after his death. It is honest and tragic, but also uplifting and inspiring.
Interestingly, in reading through other reviews of this book, I noticed most of the reviewers were women, and I guess this makes sense as that may have been the target audience. However, I don't think this is "chick-lit," as I felt there is a lot here that both sexes can appreciate. I would recommend this to anyone (male or female) who appreciates stories that explore grief and loss and the subsequent healing process.
The Letter was written by Pat's widow, Marie Tillman, and turned out to be a nice compliment to Krakauer's book as it explored the very sensational story from a completely different and very intimate angle.
I found this book to be both beautiful and compelling. I'm not sure what assistance Marie Tillman had with writing it, if any--the prose are simple and straight forward--but it was extremely effective and moving.
Titled after the "just in case" letter Pat left for his wife, The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life is truly an exploration of their love, her loss, and her life after Pat's death. I was/am immensely impressed and inspired by both Pat and his wife, who are truly remarkable people, and their stories.
I cried. I laughed. Then I cried again.
Some passages that I found particularly poignant and insightful:
Though Marie was only twenty-seven when Pat was killed, they had been together for eleven years and had known each other for most of their lives. I can't imagine--don't want to imagine--what it's like to lose your other half at such a young age and then to have it be such a public affair.
In the end, Pat decided to join the army because he believed that after the 9/11 attacks it was his duty to serve his country even though his decision meant giving up a multi-million dollar contract and maybe his professional football career and worse, leaving his beloved wife Marie behind.
When Pat was killed, a victim of fratricide, the army/Washington saw an opportunity to put a positive spin on a rather damning event for a war that was losing public support, and so they misled the family and the public into believing Pat was ambushed by the Taliban and not killed by his own men. Ironically, in doing so they selfishly exploited Pat, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Although the military's deceit is mentioned, it is not the focus. Instead, this book centers around Marie and Pat's relationship and her personal struggles and healing after his death. It is honest and tragic, but also uplifting and inspiring.
Interestingly, in reading through other reviews of this book, I noticed most of the reviewers were women, and I guess this makes sense as that may have been the target audience. However, I don't think this is "chick-lit," as I felt there is a lot here that both sexes can appreciate. I would recommend this to anyone (male or female) who appreciates stories that explore grief and loss and the subsequent healing process.
February 28, 2015
With all due respect for the anguish endured by Marie Tillman I decided to abandon this book with about one hundred pages left.
There are heartfelt moments when she describes how she coped when her husband died in Afghanistan – and then the gradual revelation of just how he died – by “friendly fire”.
As with most autobiographies it is inundated with mundane affairs. There was too much about her husband’s football career for example. The last one hundred, which I admittedly skimmed, were her readjustment back to normality and friend-ships, dating... Perhaps this was just not the right book for me.
I was led to purchase this book from viewing the documentary “The Tillman Story” which showed how the various administrations (government, military, pentagon...) all tried to capitalize on the recruitment and then the tragic death of Pat Tillman. Marie touches some of these aspects, but not as much as I would have liked – and admittedly this would have been most difficult for her to do.
There are heartfelt moments when she describes how she coped when her husband died in Afghanistan – and then the gradual revelation of just how he died – by “friendly fire”.
As with most autobiographies it is inundated with mundane affairs. There was too much about her husband’s football career for example. The last one hundred, which I admittedly skimmed, were her readjustment back to normality and friend-ships, dating... Perhaps this was just not the right book for me.
I was led to purchase this book from viewing the documentary “The Tillman Story” which showed how the various administrations (government, military, pentagon...) all tried to capitalize on the recruitment and then the tragic death of Pat Tillman. Marie touches some of these aspects, but not as much as I would have liked – and admittedly this would have been most difficult for her to do.
May 23, 2012
They say behind each successful man, there's a smart woman. I say behind each hero there's a Marie.
The Letter by Marie Tillman is a heartfelt insight into her life after her husband’s death as well as a journey through all stages of grief she’s experienced since then. Pat Tillman’s life had been in the spotlight very little before he died as both he and Marie have shied away from the public eye, preferring the coziness of their home, the serenity of their relationship, the comfort of their love. The NFL player who gave up a successful career as a football player to enlist in the army became an icon after his death in April 2004. The circumstances surrounding his death still create a lot of controversy, including two congressional hearings and multiple investigations. Somehow Marie had to learn how to cope with the media infatuation with her husband as well as with all the attention she unwillingly received.
I applaud Marie for her ability to capture real feelings, real emotions making the book that much more intense, allowing readers a close look into a grieving heart. The book contains very little dialogue, but it’s easy to follow and finish in one sitting. Its simplicity, its reflection on life’s fragility and what matters most as well as how Marie chose to navigate through the murky waters of healing is done gracefully. From a shy lotus lily living in Pat’s shadow, Marie grew into a confident woman, working constantly to keep Pat’s legacy alive. She went through the stages of grief in her own way, at her own pace, and came out not completely healed but stronger.
The Letter is a compelling, poignant book, a true story of heroism and altruism behind the deadly lines of war.
The Letter by Marie Tillman is a heartfelt insight into her life after her husband’s death as well as a journey through all stages of grief she’s experienced since then. Pat Tillman’s life had been in the spotlight very little before he died as both he and Marie have shied away from the public eye, preferring the coziness of their home, the serenity of their relationship, the comfort of their love. The NFL player who gave up a successful career as a football player to enlist in the army became an icon after his death in April 2004. The circumstances surrounding his death still create a lot of controversy, including two congressional hearings and multiple investigations. Somehow Marie had to learn how to cope with the media infatuation with her husband as well as with all the attention she unwillingly received.
I applaud Marie for her ability to capture real feelings, real emotions making the book that much more intense, allowing readers a close look into a grieving heart. The book contains very little dialogue, but it’s easy to follow and finish in one sitting. Its simplicity, its reflection on life’s fragility and what matters most as well as how Marie chose to navigate through the murky waters of healing is done gracefully. From a shy lotus lily living in Pat’s shadow, Marie grew into a confident woman, working constantly to keep Pat’s legacy alive. She went through the stages of grief in her own way, at her own pace, and came out not completely healed but stronger.
The Letter is a compelling, poignant book, a true story of heroism and altruism behind the deadly lines of war.
July 16, 2012
I have read Jon Krakauer's book on Pat Tillman and the book written by Pat's mother, but I always wondered how Marie (Pat's widow) was handling things after his death. She remained so private and shut away, but has now decided to share her story.
This is not a book about Pat Tillman. Yes, she shares some stories of him, but it's more about her and her relationship with him, both during their life together and after his death. And that's the way it should be. She is her own person and not defined by her widowhood.
I felt like Marie was a high school friend that was calling to catch up on what had been going on in her life. The book is written in a fairly conversational tone, even though Marie is more "proper" (for lack of a better word).
Marie doesn't hide the sorrow and pain that she lived through (and still carries today) but she also shows how she was able to come out of it and live a happy life. I'm so happy to hear of the recent news of her marriage and new baby and for all the work that she does through the Pat Tillman Foundation. This is a great book not just for those who have lost loved ones in military service, but for anyone who is treading water in a sea of loss and grief.
This is not a book about Pat Tillman. Yes, she shares some stories of him, but it's more about her and her relationship with him, both during their life together and after his death. And that's the way it should be. She is her own person and not defined by her widowhood.
I felt like Marie was a high school friend that was calling to catch up on what had been going on in her life. The book is written in a fairly conversational tone, even though Marie is more "proper" (for lack of a better word).
Marie doesn't hide the sorrow and pain that she lived through (and still carries today) but she also shows how she was able to come out of it and live a happy life. I'm so happy to hear of the recent news of her marriage and new baby and for all the work that she does through the Pat Tillman Foundation. This is a great book not just for those who have lost loved ones in military service, but for anyone who is treading water in a sea of loss and grief.
October 25, 2012
Ironically, the letter in this case was almost a footnote. It is barely mentioned, and not reprinted in full. It was the first of many incomplete tales within the story. This was really a narrative of Marie Tillman, and although she is well educated, bright, and capable, her story is just not that interesting, and she fails to tell her husband's story in a meaningful way. Although all people grieve in their own way (and that was one point which was well-made), her description of their relationship didn't lead me to believe in the magnitude of the loss she speaks of. It may just be that Marie Tillman is such a private person that she was unable to characterize their relationship without exposing herself more than she was comfortable with. I can understand her reluctance to show her vulnerability and pain, but it was hard to relate to someone who behaved so stoically. I kept feeling that I was missing a big piece of the puzzle. I found it hard to sympathize, and as someone who cries at Hallmark commercials, that was rather unsettling.
September 17, 2012
The Letter- My Journey through Love, Loss & Life by Marie Tillman was her touching love story and the gift he husband Pat gave her. I was reading another book that happened to be in the bedroom where my husband was sleeping and I did not want to wake him so I grabbed this book out of my library bag of books and once I started reading I could not stop. I read the book the in one sitting. This book is one that left me feeling so many things. It is so personal and you see Marie in times of raw emotion. I found this hard to read at times not because it was not good but as a military spouse she was living the things of my nightmares. I felt bad that she was not allowed to grieve in peace and that the horrors of the circumstances with the investigation into his death and it being so public. I felt bad that she had a husband the Army deemed high profile and because of his football career and was sad to see that they could not be honest to her about his death because of politics. I feel that honesty should be owed to a family for it is they who sacrifice and it is they who lost a loved one that will leave a void the size of the Grand Canyon in their life. I learned that people say things in times of loss that are just crazy for instance at the memorial those trying to comfort her said your young you will find somebody else and thankfully you had no children. I was out raged when I read this but Marie gracefully taught me a valuable lesson I will quote her “Most of the time people didn’t even catch the inappropriateness of their comments, but occasionally, after seeing the look on my face they understood the error of their words. I soon realized I shouldn’t take these things personally. At such painful moments, some people unknowingly project their deepest fears on to you, the widowed. “I found this very profound. I was also reminded that grief has not time frame as Marie pointed out that in the 19th century, people properly understood mourning, widows dressed in black and they were allowed to mourn fully for four years. Today society we are saying you will find someone else at the memorial and a time is given to be moved by. She pointed out that “even after September 11th one of the most devastating days in our country’s history, flags hung at half mast at the White House for two weeks and then as a signal to the nation to “ move on” they were raised to full. While reading this I thought how true this is and that each person handles grief in different ways but as the months and years go by I need to be more aware the grief is still there for those I know who have a loss. What I loved about this book even though it dealt with a tough subject of grief it was also the subject of love. Pat Tillman loved his wife so that his request should he be killed during war was for me please live. He gave her a gift and a purpose to sustain her during the darkest part of her life. I remember reading that Pat had shown her over their many years together that love was about setting the other free. He loved her that much how lucky was she. The book is divided up into three parts each one about the years and what when on during those years. I hate to give this book a rating because it is a person’s life that is so exposed at such a raw time. I know that she wrote this book to help others with their grief. I loved getting to know Pat in a more personal way through the loving eyes of his wife. I was so sad when she was going through pictures and realized they would soon be out of style and that Pat would always be forever 27 and she was older sometimes finality just sucks . I thought that is a huge void and something I had never thought of before. I am glad I read this book but to be honest again I hate having to rate this book, how do rate a person’s life loss and growth? Just remember that I could not put the book down and I read it in one sitting and on this fact alone I am going to give it five stars.
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September 2, 2012I don't want to give this a star rating because I don't feel like it's my place to quantify someone's personal journey like this. This book left me feeling different than I thought it would. Everyone gets by the best they can with what they know. I can't imagine a trial like this. I couldn't help but hope I'd find a different source of solace if it were me. There seemed to be a theme that "you are your only source of peace". I don't believe that. It didn't resonate with me. I felt deflated and sad to even think that. I'm glad Marie had found some meaning and joy in her life. I'm glad she goes about doing good and has found another partner to share her days with. I respect her story and her experiences even if my personal philosophy differs. That's what it's about for me.
May 15, 2016
While the author is obviously well-educated (and well-off) this book isn't one I would recommend to those who are grieving. There seems to be little insight or answers for someone who has had a loss. While I most definitely sympathize with her tremendous loss, I found her casual affair two years after her husband's death most disturbing. I ended up flipping through the last half; there was no redeeming value to her grieving. She didn't really let the reader into her grief, except briefly, once or twice in the book.
September 15, 2020
For many years, my husband & I had Arizona State football season tickets and had the pleasure of seeing Pat Tillman play, when he was attending college there. Although we didn't attend Arizona Cardinals games, we were glad he joined them & stayed in Arizona. But like so many others, we were shocked, amazed and impressed when he chose to give up a lucrative career in the NFL to join the Army Rangers, shortly after the September 11th attacks. And like the rest of the world, we cried when we learned of his death and were angered about the lies and cover up of the surrounding details. I listened to the audio version of this book which was written and read by Marie Tillman, his wife. I am also listening to the audio book Pat's mother wrote and narrates ("Boots On The Ground By Dusk"). It's interesting to be "reading" these books together, since they often have overlapping topics (especially regarding the military cover up) & you're able to hear about something from each of their perspectives. I enjoyed learning more about Pat the person, rather than the public figure. The book ranges from when Marie & Pat first started dating up to when she met her second husband. There are several parts where a box of tissues are handy to have and also parts that made me laugh out loud. Although I'm aware of the annual "Pat's Run" (the Pat Tillman Foundation's signature fund raiser) and even walked it one year, hearing more details about what it does has caused me to put it on my list of charities to donate to. I highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2020
Marie Tillman is such a calming person, in my opinion.
When I read Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, every time I felt outraged, Marie Tillman would step in and calm me down. When I found out that she wrote her own account, I decided that I just had to read it.
This book was a quick read for me. Marie breaks the book into three parts, part one focuses on Pat's early years in the Army and his death while giving a summary of their relationship. Part two is when Marie is dealing with her grief. Part three is Marie feeling that she has the freedom to move on. Her book is focused more on feelings. It sounds like Marie and Pat's relationship was so strong and rewarding. It struck me that Marie really had to deal with not only losing Pat, but losing her identity as well. Pat was part of her identity because they had been together so long.
Worthwhile read.
When I read Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, every time I felt outraged, Marie Tillman would step in and calm me down. When I found out that she wrote her own account, I decided that I just had to read it.
This book was a quick read for me. Marie breaks the book into three parts, part one focuses on Pat's early years in the Army and his death while giving a summary of their relationship. Part two is when Marie is dealing with her grief. Part three is Marie feeling that she has the freedom to move on. Her book is focused more on feelings. It sounds like Marie and Pat's relationship was so strong and rewarding. It struck me that Marie really had to deal with not only losing Pat, but losing her identity as well. Pat was part of her identity because they had been together so long.
Worthwhile read.
July 18, 2019
An interesting read, but one that necessitates an interest in Pat Tillman, and the events that led to his decision to join the Military. I really felt for Marie Tillman as I read this book. She certainly handles herself with great dignity and grace.
July 10, 2012
I was a Sun Devil during the same years Pat Tillman and I was moved by his choice to leave a football career behind to join the military. While I never knew him personally his death impacted me. I've since participated in 4 Pat's Runs - starting at his former high school, ASU and several in SF. It's a cause than means a lot to me.
So when I read an excerpt from this book on the Pat Tillman Facebook page I knew I had to read the whole thing. I never knew much about Pat's wife Marie other than they were HS sweethearts and she was very private. I really appreciated the way she opened herself up in this book so you could see the stages of her grieving especially under the eye of the public.
I read this book in about a day and I recommend it. Its easy to read and written very personally keeping some things still very private, but it's inspiring in its own quiet way.
So when I read an excerpt from this book on the Pat Tillman Facebook page I knew I had to read the whole thing. I never knew much about Pat's wife Marie other than they were HS sweethearts and she was very private. I really appreciated the way she opened herself up in this book so you could see the stages of her grieving especially under the eye of the public.
I read this book in about a day and I recommend it. Its easy to read and written very personally keeping some things still very private, but it's inspiring in its own quiet way.
July 27, 2012
I can honestly say that this is the best book I've read this year. A must read for anyone who wants a reminder that life is short and what you do with your time here is important, and a decision you must make daily. It was tear-jerking in many places, but overall a story about grief and becoming the person you are meant to be.
September 28, 2012
Hard to rate a book like this. I certainly don't want to downplay her suffering or any of the things she went through and I can't imagine experiencing the same, but I didn't feel moved or really connected to her story.
July 8, 2012
I was very disappointed in this book. The loss of her husband was a terrible and needless tragedy, but I just couldn't relate to the choices she made following his death.
July 26, 2022
After having read Pat's mom's book (Boots on the Ground), the one by John Krakauer (Where Men Win Glory) I had to read this one too.
I went into this not knowing what to expect nor what I wanted from this book. I wasn't sure if I'd find some never before told stories, some big revelation on why Pat took the path he did, or a more in-depth look at the life Pat and Marie shared.
I was pleased with what I found which were all the things I mentioned above. But, I also found the story of a woman who had to grieve while being part of the public eye. I couldn't imagine having to grieve while there were constant stories on TV, morning shows wanting to display her grief, and testifying before Congress at the same time.
This book discusses how Marie felt and what she experienced in her profound loss. She mentions her reentry into the dating world, how her sister and brother-in-law also coped with Pat's loss and that dating re-entry. It also discusses how they took their grief to form a foundation.
She didn't waste paper on rehashing the fratricide. As she said in the book, nothing is going to bring Pat back. That story has been told in multiple books.
A quick read for me and one I'm glad I read.
I went into this not knowing what to expect nor what I wanted from this book. I wasn't sure if I'd find some never before told stories, some big revelation on why Pat took the path he did, or a more in-depth look at the life Pat and Marie shared.
I was pleased with what I found which were all the things I mentioned above. But, I also found the story of a woman who had to grieve while being part of the public eye. I couldn't imagine having to grieve while there were constant stories on TV, morning shows wanting to display her grief, and testifying before Congress at the same time.
This book discusses how Marie felt and what she experienced in her profound loss. She mentions her reentry into the dating world, how her sister and brother-in-law also coped with Pat's loss and that dating re-entry. It also discusses how they took their grief to form a foundation.
She didn't waste paper on rehashing the fratricide. As she said in the book, nothing is going to bring Pat back. That story has been told in multiple books.
A quick read for me and one I'm glad I read.
September 14, 2018
I gave this book four stars for the following reasons. It instantly earned some stars given the fact that the Author is also the one to read the book on CD; I prefer to listen to autobiography's and Non Fiction stories especially that are read by the author because not only do you get to hear what they wrote you can hear how they express what they wrote and that give you much more then just the written words. The book is obviously a very personal story from the Author who is a Widow; married to SPC Patrick Tillman (posthumously promoted to CPL). I found the book to be a great read because of the topic and much of the story I can personally relate to but I didn't give it the five star rating because in my opinion the Author on several occasions wrote about something but didn't fully explain it. But in then again, the subject is not an easy one to write about, especially as a story about yourself so I can understand why it had that feeling to it. Overall it was a very good book and a really good read for someone who has lost their spouse, and/or in the military.
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September 11, 2022At such painful moments, some people unknowingly project their deepest fears onto you.
Pat's death was a huge event in all our lives... wasn't going to pretend like it wasn't.
I felt disconnected from everyone, like I was isolated on an island of grief. People couldn't read what was going on, so they often made remarks and acted in a manner that was so out of line with my internal emotional terrain it only made me more alone. But I acted fine to gain the freedom I needed to mourn in my own way. I acted fine to break free from the stifling embraces and well-meaning but misguided advice.
I didn't really have enough energy for the emotion.
there's a weight to all of our lives, and he didn't want me to be frivolous with mine.
It's also a tragedy to live a long life that isn't meaningful.
Pat's death was a huge event in all our lives... wasn't going to pretend like it wasn't.
I felt disconnected from everyone, like I was isolated on an island of grief. People couldn't read what was going on, so they often made remarks and acted in a manner that was so out of line with my internal emotional terrain it only made me more alone. But I acted fine to gain the freedom I needed to mourn in my own way. I acted fine to break free from the stifling embraces and well-meaning but misguided advice.
I didn't really have enough energy for the emotion.
there's a weight to all of our lives, and he didn't want me to be frivolous with mine.
It's also a tragedy to live a long life that isn't meaningful.
May 16, 2017
Nice companion to the Jon Krakauer book, WHERE MEN SEEK GLORY.
I appreciate the author opening up and sharing her feelings of grief, walking us through what it might be like to have a love one killed in battle.
Impressive (on the audio version) that she reads it herself. Earlier in his life, she wasn't comfortable with public speaking. Now she's turned that around enough that she did the recording of the book (which was just fine).
As far as giving it a star rating, I got it at either 3 or 4.
For me, 5 starts is a memorable book I am actively recommending to others. (I gave the Krakauer book on Tillman 5 stars). This one doesn't reach that level.
2 stars is a book that's good enough to finish, but one in hindsight I wouldn't have chosen to read. It's better than that.
I appreciate the author opening up and sharing her feelings of grief, walking us through what it might be like to have a love one killed in battle.
Impressive (on the audio version) that she reads it herself. Earlier in his life, she wasn't comfortable with public speaking. Now she's turned that around enough that she did the recording of the book (which was just fine).
As far as giving it a star rating, I got it at either 3 or 4.
For me, 5 starts is a memorable book I am actively recommending to others. (I gave the Krakauer book on Tillman 5 stars). This one doesn't reach that level.
2 stars is a book that's good enough to finish, but one in hindsight I wouldn't have chosen to read. It's better than that.
January 4, 2025
“Our lives should have depth, which means pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and not taking the easy way out all the time. That is the only way to really live.” - Marie Tillman
As a student veteran, my entire college experience was inspired by the spirit of Pat. During this time, I worked at the Pat Tillman Veteran Center at ASU, and helping other veterans with their transition from service member to student was one of the greatest achievements of my life. His life inspired me and countless others to not fit into a box, but to pursue our dreams and help others as much as we can along the way.
As a student veteran, my entire college experience was inspired by the spirit of Pat. During this time, I worked at the Pat Tillman Veteran Center at ASU, and helping other veterans with their transition from service member to student was one of the greatest achievements of my life. His life inspired me and countless others to not fit into a box, but to pursue our dreams and help others as much as we can along the way.
February 25, 2023
Oh Marie, thank you ! As a grieving family widow we speak the same language. Our circumstances were much different but our love and devotion to our beloved husbands is the same. Kudos for honoring your husband and rebuilding a new life. Our husbands loved us so much they wanted us to live!
I am sorry Pat’s family and you lost the keystone. I was abandoned too by my husband’s family. Your story gave me the courage to quit questioning why families do that and realize we all grieve in our own way and let them go. Thank you!
I am sorry Pat’s family and you lost the keystone. I was abandoned too by my husband’s family. Your story gave me the courage to quit questioning why families do that and realize we all grieve in our own way and let them go. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2021
An amazing account of a wife’s journey through grief and healing. I was disappointed that she did not go into the part of the story of which I knew little: the Congressional hearings into Pat Tillman’s death. I suppose this is still a difficult part of her story so she opted to omit it from anything but a brief mention. I found myself crying at the beginning and at the end. Her pain was profound and I’m glad that she chose to share her journey in healing. It is an amazing story.
July 5, 2022
Thank you for explaining why Pat enlisted in the “war” post 9/11 and for writing about what you and the family went through after his death. I believe that we are all faced with adversities and how we deal with them makes us the people that we are. You’ve done well, same as Pat.
March 7, 2023
I very much appreciated Marie’s raw view of her life after she lost her husband due to a war she didn’t even believe in. This book doesn’t focus on mistakes made by the military but focuses on her life with and without Pat Tillman.
May 3, 2023
I love me a good memoir. What a story about love, war, grief, resilience, strength, and life. Marie Tillman is just lovely and I will always be rooting for her. She's making a difference in the world and her experience with true sadness is helping so many other people.
December 4, 2017
Courageous!
"I ask that you live." -Pat
"I kept that affirmation going in my mind. I was not broken." -Marie Tillman
"I ask that you live." -Pat
"I kept that affirmation going in my mind. I was not broken." -Marie Tillman
January 28, 2018
It was good to read a true, but sad story. War is wrong .
June 27, 2018
Incredible story of surviving the death of a spouse.
February 11, 2020
I didnt finish it, I got as far as the chapter 4 and lost interest. Had nothing to hold my attention.
May 13, 2021
The true story of Marie Tillman, Pat Tillman's widow. The sad story and her struggle to build a life were familiar.
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