"Yes, and...": A Journey of Hope through Tragedy

by Matthew Croke

Two months pregnant with their third child, Matt’s wife, Lisa, discovers her cancer had returned. A few months later, Lisa’s mother finds out her cancer resurfaced as well. Wife, mother-in-law, and baby are all in danger.

“Yes, and…” is a true story based on a journal Matt kept during a nine-month period to help understand life-changing events surrounding them. The journal becomes an up-close and personal account of what friends and family said they couldn’t even imagine - two sick women and a baby on the way, difficult decisions, fights, victories, self-doubt, raising two kids, and the realization that life was in constant transition.

He’s forced into examining deeper life questions of how to accept what was happening, how to grow from experiences he was reluctant to grow from, and how to handle circumstances he didn’t want, but had. It would require him to adapt and reevaluate his perspectives on life. To achieve this, he would need to draw from an improvised term of “Yes, and…” – a philosophy of accepting what’s given to you and making it better. This journey forever shapes the person/husband/father he’d become.

Genres: Nonfiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2017

Reviews

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may not have had the best writing I’ve ever read, but it was heartfelt and made me really grateful I wasn’t dealing with their situation.

[Maureen Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to read more. I know this was your life & so incredibly painful & difficult. But it was helpful on my journey after loss, although different circumstances. Thank you for writing & sharing your story.