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Missing Kylie: A Father's Search for Meaning in Tragedy
None of us like to hear the word no – especially as an answer to prayer. So how does a father reconcile a lifelong faith in God when confronted with the word no regarding something as critical as the healing of his youngest child?
This book is a two year journey through that wilderness of no. It contains few answers and many questions, but ultimately a faith that there is a loving God who chose a path we will never understand on this side of heaven.
When Kylie was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2014, her father believed that she would be completely healed and become a living testimony to God’s faithfulness and goodness. That is not the story that God wrote. A writer and blogger, Mark began posting about his struggles of heart and faith with a unique ability to mix humor and heartache. His genuine and often raw style seemed to resonate with many hurting people and his words were shared on many platforms.
Upon Kylie’s death in February 2015, he began a journey to find purpose among the ruins heaped on him, his family, and his faith – documenting both progress and set-backs. With several never-before published writings including an especially poignant letter written by Kylie just days before her death, this book is a compilation of blog posts and journal entries that allows you to walk alongside him for this season. It will bring both smiles and tears. You will feel his hope and faith while he faces the struggle, endures the pain of devastating loss, then embarks on a desperate search for meaning, while always: Missing Kylie.
**Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to fight childhood cancer in memory of Kylie.
This book is a two year journey through that wilderness of no. It contains few answers and many questions, but ultimately a faith that there is a loving God who chose a path we will never understand on this side of heaven.
When Kylie was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2014, her father believed that she would be completely healed and become a living testimony to God’s faithfulness and goodness. That is not the story that God wrote. A writer and blogger, Mark began posting about his struggles of heart and faith with a unique ability to mix humor and heartache. His genuine and often raw style seemed to resonate with many hurting people and his words were shared on many platforms.
Upon Kylie’s death in February 2015, he began a journey to find purpose among the ruins heaped on him, his family, and his faith – documenting both progress and set-backs. With several never-before published writings including an especially poignant letter written by Kylie just days before her death, this book is a compilation of blog posts and journal entries that allows you to walk alongside him for this season. It will bring both smiles and tears. You will feel his hope and faith while he faces the struggle, endures the pain of devastating loss, then embarks on a desperate search for meaning, while always: Missing Kylie.
**Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to fight childhood cancer in memory of Kylie.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2016
114 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Mark Myers
7 books35 followersMark has been married to his wife Robin since 1992 and together they have four daughters. Besides being a writer, he is a veteran, a distance runner, and a public speaker who has recently been forced to add the title of childhood cancer advocate after his youngest daughter, Kylie lost her battle with Ewing sarcoma in February of 2015. He is the Director of Communications for CURE Childhood Cancer.
In his fiction, he strives to weave moral truth and humor into a story that is relevant and engaging. One of the greatest compliments he's ever received came from a woman who said: "thank you for showing me what goes on inside a boy's mind." Not much goes on in there, you can be sure of that.
Since the loss of Kylie, the theme of his writing has changed along with his world. Humor and smiles now are forced to coexist with heartbreak and loss. Now he is described as "A Generous Helping of Laughter and Tears."
His pieces have been published on The Huffington Post, The Mighty, and Mamamia.
You can sample his writing at his website: www.markmyers.net
In his fiction, he strives to weave moral truth and humor into a story that is relevant and engaging. One of the greatest compliments he's ever received came from a woman who said: "thank you for showing me what goes on inside a boy's mind." Not much goes on in there, you can be sure of that.
Since the loss of Kylie, the theme of his writing has changed along with his world. Humor and smiles now are forced to coexist with heartbreak and loss. Now he is described as "A Generous Helping of Laughter and Tears."
His pieces have been published on The Huffington Post, The Mighty, and Mamamia.
You can sample his writing at his website: www.markmyers.net
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 13, 2016
Moving, inspiring tragic account of love.
This book was at times amusing but also terribly sad. I loved the fact that the author is a Christian who DOESN'T know all the answers but is just aware that God does and he can trust in that. UThe story is real and without unnecessary embellishments. I love the photos and video footage of Kylie and the way I feel I know her by the end of the book. This story has so many dimensions and brings up more questions than answers about why Christians and good people suffer and why some prayers don't seem to be answered? This makes this book more honest and precious to me. The Author and his family talk about their loss with touching honesty that makes the reader feel humbled and challenged all at the same time. In my opinion this is a must read book and is worth going on this hul and at times extremely personal journey with the grieving Father.
This book was at times amusing but also terribly sad. I loved the fact that the author is a Christian who DOESN'T know all the answers but is just aware that God does and he can trust in that. UThe story is real and without unnecessary embellishments. I love the photos and video footage of Kylie and the way I feel I know her by the end of the book. This story has so many dimensions and brings up more questions than answers about why Christians and good people suffer and why some prayers don't seem to be answered? This makes this book more honest and precious to me. The Author and his family talk about their loss with touching honesty that makes the reader feel humbled and challenged all at the same time. In my opinion this is a must read book and is worth going on this hul and at times extremely personal journey with the grieving Father.
September 11, 2016
A regular blog done by a faithful and caring father as he diaries the week to week treatments, trials and hopes for his precious daughter and fourth child in his family, Kylie. Kylie added so much life and sweetness to her family, her school programs and her friends. She was a fighter striving to overcome cancer and her positive attitude taught her father and all her family and friends so much. This precious child is obviously greatly missed by her Dad, her Mom and her three sisters, as well as friends, and this book written by her father will forever keep her memory alive and help other parents as they fight the same or similar fight with their children. May God bless this family. So sorry for your sadness.
August 17, 2016
Cancer Sucks
I don't know how I actually finished reading these wonderful words from a Daddy. I have had to learn about this ugly monster called "Childhood Cancer" from friends of mine and there wonderful gift from God named Peyton. The struggle for these children is real. More needs to be done for research. Even though Peyton is through with her treatment I still keep a piece of her on me at all times. Only 4% of money donated to cancer research goes to childhood cancers. I know Peyton and Kylie and all of their friends they have met and lost are worth more than 4%! RIP Kylie, and as for her Daddy thank you so much for sharing your story and love for your baby.
I don't know how I actually finished reading these wonderful words from a Daddy. I have had to learn about this ugly monster called "Childhood Cancer" from friends of mine and there wonderful gift from God named Peyton. The struggle for these children is real. More needs to be done for research. Even though Peyton is through with her treatment I still keep a piece of her on me at all times. Only 4% of money donated to cancer research goes to childhood cancers. I know Peyton and Kylie and all of their friends they have met and lost are worth more than 4%! RIP Kylie, and as for her Daddy thank you so much for sharing your story and love for your baby.
August 14, 2016
Missing Kylie
A beautiful remembrance to Kylie. Her courage and love can be felt. Thank you for the pictures that put a face to the little girl who fought so bravely. As a mother who lost a son who had just turned 20 (and still my baby boy) your loss is heart breaking and your strive to continue on, running the race, a comfort and encouragement to me. May God continue strengthening you and I pray your message encourages new medicines and hopefully cures for cancer.
A beautiful remembrance to Kylie. Her courage and love can be felt. Thank you for the pictures that put a face to the little girl who fought so bravely. As a mother who lost a son who had just turned 20 (and still my baby boy) your loss is heart breaking and your strive to continue on, running the race, a comfort and encouragement to me. May God continue strengthening you and I pray your message encourages new medicines and hopefully cures for cancer.
August 14, 2016
Heartbreaking to read, I wanted to get through it in one sitting because I didn't want to cry two days in a row. I found the appendix at the end helpful as two friends have recently been diagnosed with cancer and I never know what to say or do and it was great to read what is actually appreciated in such a hard situation. No parent should have to go through what this family did, yet they were able to still see the blessings in all the hurt.
April 21, 2016
A book that all should read
Heartwarming, beautiful and inspiring..a book that captures a father's grief at the loss of his beautiful daughter. I wish that Mark Myers and his family never were forced to go down that path of pain and loss, but this book is a beautifully written portrayal of it all. I recommend it strongly.
Heartwarming, beautiful and inspiring..a book that captures a father's grief at the loss of his beautiful daughter. I wish that Mark Myers and his family never were forced to go down that path of pain and loss, but this book is a beautifully written portrayal of it all. I recommend it strongly.
August 18, 2016
Kylie
This was such a sad story. But, it shows the strength of a child. My heart goes out to all the parent of children who have past. I to don't like to say lost. Because they are not lost, the are with the Lord. One day we shall all be together. Stay strong parents. God Bless
This was such a sad story. But, it shows the strength of a child. My heart goes out to all the parent of children who have past. I to don't like to say lost. Because they are not lost, the are with the Lord. One day we shall all be together. Stay strong parents. God Bless
April 4, 2017
Beautiful
Thank you so much for sharing these most intimate and heartfelt moments of your life with us readers! Your daughter is truly amazing! I cannot relate to your story personally but you have opened my eyes to the great need for finding a cure for childhood cancer! And I will promise to help fight for the cause! God Bless You and Your Family!
Thank you so much for sharing these most intimate and heartfelt moments of your life with us readers! Your daughter is truly amazing! I cannot relate to your story personally but you have opened my eyes to the great need for finding a cure for childhood cancer! And I will promise to help fight for the cause! God Bless You and Your Family!
April 8, 2017
Heartwrenching, beautiful and tender
I heard a good writer sits down, opens a vein and bleeds. Mark Myers poured out his grief, wrestled with his faith and our hearts bleed for Kylie and her family.
This is a difficult book, but I have learned a lot from Kylie's courage and strength to keep fighting.
I heard a good writer sits down, opens a vein and bleeds. Mark Myers poured out his grief, wrestled with his faith and our hearts bleed for Kylie and her family.
This is a difficult book, but I have learned a lot from Kylie's courage and strength to keep fighting.
July 27, 2016
This book was good. It is about a dad telling the story of his daughter who has cancer. And how he and his family cope with it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a know Kylie's story and what an impact this girl made around the world. It is well written and a fast read.
August 12, 2016
A beautiful story
This child was so precious, I hope never to experience the loss of a chi l d or grandchild. I feel more research and work should be done on childhood cancer. This was one brave and exceptional young lady. Maybe God bless her family and friends.
This child was so precious, I hope never to experience the loss of a chi l d or grandchild. I feel more research and work should be done on childhood cancer. This was one brave and exceptional young lady. Maybe God bless her family and friends.
August 14, 2016
A beautiful story of family love
Thank you for sharing Kylie's story with us. Let it Serve as a reminder for each of us that life is frail, a gift to be cherished. God bless you all!
Thank you for sharing Kylie's story with us. Let it Serve as a reminder for each of us that life is frail, a gift to be cherished. God bless you all!
August 16, 2016
So sweet; so sad
A touching story about a little girl who had a lot of pain in her life before she left the pain behind and went to be with her eternal Father.
I do believe that losing a child is probably the hardest life lesson.
A touching story about a little girl who had a lot of pain in her life before she left the pain behind and went to be with her eternal Father.
I do believe that losing a child is probably the hardest life lesson.
September 12, 2016
Great, but sad read.
A heartbreaking story of a child's fight with cancer and a family's journey. Mark had helpful suggestions at the end of this book on what to say and not say to such family's, statistics on childhood cancer and things you can do.
A heartbreaking story of a child's fight with cancer and a family's journey. Mark had helpful suggestions at the end of this book on what to say and not say to such family's, statistics on childhood cancer and things you can do.
October 12, 2016
i loved it and I hated it. There are no easy answers to the loss of a child. This is the honest account of the struggle to come to terms with that loss and still maintain the family's strong faith. I am so sorry for their loss.
November 12, 2016
Life experience
Every parent of a lost child goes over loss living experience in his own way. I also lost a 11 years old to a cancer 17 years ago. I recognize faith in God and love for the family has been important to continue with life. Thanks Mark for your book.
Every parent of a lost child goes over loss living experience in his own way. I also lost a 11 years old to a cancer 17 years ago. I recognize faith in God and love for the family has been important to continue with life. Thanks Mark for your book.
August 24, 2016
Inspiration
Beautifully told story of love, heartbreaking loss and the journey thru . so touching and moving. Prayers for the family.
Beautifully told story of love, heartbreaking loss and the journey thru . so touching and moving. Prayers for the family.
August 14, 2016
Why
This is a brave man who wrote about the loss of his young daughter to cancer at a early age
This is a brave man who wrote about the loss of his young daughter to cancer at a early age
September 15, 2016
Excellent book. Mark is a superb writer and describes the grief journey well.
May 25, 2024
Beautiful
I almost can't describe this book. Heart wrenching,yes. But to see a glimpse of God's perspective through this family's trial has been a gift. We don't have the same perspective that God does. I look forward to meeting Kylie in heaven.
I almost can't describe this book. Heart wrenching,yes. But to see a glimpse of God's perspective through this family's trial has been a gift. We don't have the same perspective that God does. I look forward to meeting Kylie in heaven.
October 15, 2024
A Story of Faith
I liked the way Kylie spread joy even with all she was dealing with. I disliked that she died even though hope for future childhood cancer may come along because of her story. She was an amazing child who was used by God in a very special way. God bless.
I liked the way Kylie spread joy even with all she was dealing with. I disliked that she died even though hope for future childhood cancer may come along because of her story. She was an amazing child who was used by God in a very special way. God bless.
February 13, 2019
Beautiful
Thank you for sharing you journey through such darkness while showing how to reach for the light God Bless #morethan4
Thank you for sharing you journey through such darkness while showing how to reach for the light God Bless #morethan4
May 26, 2019
It is so difficult to lose a child. The author was so open and candid on how he felt and was able to give the readers and inside look at life with cancer. Couldn't put in down.
August 18, 2016
What a gut-wrenching yet somehow uplifting story. And informative. Only 3 meds for pediatric cancer in the past 20 years? That's absurd! I'll never understand how these families and the diagnosed children survive the experience and do so with such grace. I hope I never have to live it myself.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews