Waiting for Heaven: Finding Beauty in the Pain and the Struggle

by Heather Gillis

Life can sometimes lead us to unexpected places, to only leave us broken, desperate, and hurting. Heather Gillis and her husband, Mac, waited in anticipation for the birth of their third child. Like many Christian couples, their dreams and expectations in marriage, parenthood, and daily life developed differently than they'd planned, and left them grieving a life that would never be. Their journey gives insight into a new normal and uncovers the stepping stones of the healing process. In their process, they re-discovered God's abounding love through their experiences of joy, heartbreak, and purpose. Heather reaches out to parents around the globe to speak openly about being a wife, mother, friend, relative, or stranger during life-changing trials and devastating struggles. In God's love, she has found beauty in the midst of pain, as well as peace in His presence on Earth while waiting for heaven.

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2014

Reviews

[Kerrfunk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather tells the painful story of the death of her third child, who lived just thirteen days, and how grief and faith have changed her life. People who have experienced loss may find healing in her words, and people who have not experienced loss may gain insight. No one needs to grieve alone.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so touched and moved by Heather’s story about her newborn son, Bowen, who was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease soon after he was born. She walks you through every major point during Bowen’s fight to live, to saying good-bye, to trying to put back the pieces after he is in heaven. You truly feel like you are right there with her going through all the heart wrenching decisions and emotions. There were times I had to just close the book and walk away from it. My heart was breaking too much to continue reading. I also soon found out, it is hard to read this book in public. Many times I had tears streaming down my face. Though, I was pulled back into the book because I needed to know how not only she and Mac endured this life-changing, traumatic, painful experience, but how they went from surviving to thriving and making a difference in countless lives. I was blessed beyond measure reading this book. It has changed me in so many ways; especially how to help others who are grieving a loss of a child. I’m grateful that Heather had the courage and boldness to write this book. I can only imagine how it brought up so many painful memories, but unselfishly she pushed through and showed how faith in Christ can strengthen a person and help them change and become even stronger. This is definitely a must read book.

[Joann Thiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book from Goodreads First Reads for free. I found this book to be sad but also quite inspiring.

[Elc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. The author did a good job of capturing her experiences, emotions and faith in God.

[Amanda Ripsam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the open honest account of her struggle in coping with the loss of her son. I loved the venerability of how honest her fears and pain is where. I loved how she describes the pain she endured watching her own mother struggle with a different kind of grief while making sure Heather did not follow down the same path her mother had.
I am a sucker for books that tug at your heartstrings and are honest true accounts of another person’s personal stories. I am honored that I was able to meet Heather during a speak up conference we both were in the same small group and shared stories together but I would have loved to hear her read this book out loud. Perhaps on audio in the future ? Heather inner personality is just as beautiful as she is outwardly.
I am honored she asked me to read and review her book and I fully enjoyed reading every minute of her book. I couldn’t put the book down as I finished reading the book in two nights. You will want to buy a copy for yourself and a friend.

[Sharon Heaverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads/FirstReads program.

This is a painful memoir written by Heather Gillis on the death of her third child. The baby boy lived just 13 days, having been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. This book was sometimes difficult to read and yet, I can not even imagine living through this. The book is well written. Her story is well documented and there are references throughout to help others to cope with loss.