For a While Longer: What being pushed to the edge taught us about light

by Kelsey and Brian McNeill

In the fall of 2018, Brian and Kelsey McNeill found themselves in a medical nightmare. For a While Longer tells their amazing story. Early in Brian’s illness, Kelsey began keeping a journal chronicling Brian’s fight for his life and the emotional trauma she and their family endured each day, as well as the love that kept them going. This journal is the foundation of For a While Longer. As Brian miraculously recovered, he and Kelsey encountered scars that were much more than skin deep. Brian wrote to reflect on his own memories of his illness, many of which diverge comically from objective truth. His reflections weave together his life experiences as a teacher and father, both before and after his illness, to capture his purpose in this life. Together, Brian and Kelsey tell a story of enduring love, overcoming heartbreak, and the journey to heal deep physical and emotional scars. For a While Longer will bring tears to your eyes, and profound hope to your heart.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with humor, love, and vulnerability, For A While Longer tells the story of Brian McNeill, a true medical miracle, and his wife Kelsey, who fights for a love she’s not ready to lose. An incredible true story that will bring hope to your heart.

[Aremmy Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading Kelsey’s updates in GoFundMe back in 2018. So this story is not alien to me; however, reading the again, setting a timeline and Mr. B’s input is another context. I have always thought about Mr. B as an amazing person who believes in people, this was back in 2009 and it is amazing to read his survival story, and learning that his essence remains. I appreciate Kelsey’s vulnerability, I am sure this book as a whole will help people who face tragedies.

I do feel like the edition is not my preferred. There was a lot of repetition; however, I also appreciate and understand that Kelsey’s post were as raw as initially.

[Malia Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible story of love and resilience

To me this is a story of the power of love and the ineffable nature of life and trauma and how we find meaning in our experiences. How true love can be the motivator to keep someone alive through the unsurvivable.