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Carried: How One Mother’s Trust in God Helped Her through the Unthinkable
On October 19, 2016, Michelle Schmidt's plane landed in Oregon, where she was meeting her daughter, Annie, for a camping trip. But Annie didn't show up at the airport to pick up her mother as planned.
Thus began a season of searching and coming up short, of miracles and frustrations, of love poured out and faith tested, until Annie's body was finally discovered more than three weeks later in the Columbia River Gorge, where she had fallen while hiking.
As Annie's mother opens her heart to tell her story, her husband’s story (Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys), and Annie’s story, she writes: “It is my hope that my journey of being tutored by God to trust Him more—not only through the loss of Annie but through some of my most vulnerable and personal past experiences—will be the means of bringing strength and hope to anyone suffering at this time.”
When the unthinkable happened, Michelle Schmidt made a choice: to trust in God. This remarkable book will give readers the courage and inspiration to make that same choice.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
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September 3, 2018
2021 I decided to reread this book as a reader rather than a co-author, and it was such a wonderful healing experience. Though Michelle is my sister and I know all the details we wrote, I have been facing some personal issues that made this book more deeply moving and pertinent to what I need to apply in my life right now. I was reminded of the amazing spiritual journey writing this book was and it was reiterated to me what a blessing it is to have Michelle as a sister. It really is a transformative read if one is open to it.
Sept. 2018 Writing this book was the most sacred writing experience I've had. It was amazing to be trusted to write, mold, and shape my sister's story and to be strengthened by her faith every step of the way. I truly believe this book will help anyone who reads it.
Sept. 2018 Writing this book was the most sacred writing experience I've had. It was amazing to be trusted to write, mold, and shape my sister's story and to be strengthened by her faith every step of the way. I truly believe this book will help anyone who reads it.
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September 14, 2018This book is very special. It is but pieces and important moments in the life of my extended family. Reading these stories felt very important to me knowing the heart of my extended family. And the heart of my cousin Annie Schmidt.
I may not have fully related to every aspect of the story; solely based on the fact that I am 17 and do not have children, but that doesn’t mean that there were certain parts that didn’t speak out to me.
I very much enjoyed this story and the importance it has in my family. Knowing that it was published with Deseret Book, for me, it was a little difficult reading of the full spirituality of my dear Aunt Michelle. She is so good and spiritual. But for me, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated knowing that this is a story that may be difficult for people not of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religion to understand. I feel that many might be confused not knowing the full doctrine of our religion. This is my Aunt’s story, so I have no right to say how it should be written. But to contradict my statement, I wish it had been written for a broader audience. This does not defer my appreciation for this book and the heart ache that was put into this book.
I love my family very much. I am grateful for the strength of my family. I may not be on the same level of spirituality and trust in God as my Aunt Michelle, Uncle Jon, and my other cousins may have, but that doesn’t mean I may not want to be that way someday.
I am grateful for this book.
I may not have fully related to every aspect of the story; solely based on the fact that I am 17 and do not have children, but that doesn’t mean that there were certain parts that didn’t speak out to me.
I very much enjoyed this story and the importance it has in my family. Knowing that it was published with Deseret Book, for me, it was a little difficult reading of the full spirituality of my dear Aunt Michelle. She is so good and spiritual. But for me, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated knowing that this is a story that may be difficult for people not of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religion to understand. I feel that many might be confused not knowing the full doctrine of our religion. This is my Aunt’s story, so I have no right to say how it should be written. But to contradict my statement, I wish it had been written for a broader audience. This does not defer my appreciation for this book and the heart ache that was put into this book.
I love my family very much. I am grateful for the strength of my family. I may not be on the same level of spirituality and trust in God as my Aunt Michelle, Uncle Jon, and my other cousins may have, but that doesn’t mean I may not want to be that way someday.
I am grateful for this book.
August 23, 2019
The Schmidt family has been much on my mind this past two weeks. As we prayed and watched the miracle of Kaden Laga surviving his time in the wilderness I kept thinking of the Schmidts. The Latter-Day community is just small enough that I have no doubt that they heard about the search for Kaden. My heart ached for them all over again. And then I saw Jon Schmidt in concert on Wednesday night and I decided to move this book up on my to-read list. I am so glad that I did. It was a powerful revelation to me to realize that, just as Arden and the rest of Kaden's family had an intense witness from the spirit that Kaden was going to found alive, the Schmidt family understood, from that same comforting spirit, early on in the search for Annie, that they were on a recovery mission. I just wept as I came to this understanding. God is so good and knows each of us so well and gives us what we need and allows us to grow where we need to grow. But we never are forced to grow alone. He is always there. A few quotes that I want to hold in my heart:
"I immediately knew in my heart that we wouldn't find Annie that week. We needed to do the fast. We needed to invite many to fast with us because Heavenly Father needed to use this experience to bless lives."
"I don't believe that Heavenly Father caused Annie to die, nor that her passing was necessarily His will. But I do believe that 'all things work together for good to them that love God' (Romans 8:28), and that God is able to bless and guide His children in such a way that the most possible good can come of a tragedy such as this. And I can tell you that Annie would have been so on board with that. She was all about bringing souls to Christ. I can see her being so excited that she could be a part of the great good that came about through her death. I just know her, and I know this is how she feels."
"No. I'm not the same person. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm not the same person."
"I immediately knew in my heart that we wouldn't find Annie that week. We needed to do the fast. We needed to invite many to fast with us because Heavenly Father needed to use this experience to bless lives."
"I don't believe that Heavenly Father caused Annie to die, nor that her passing was necessarily His will. But I do believe that 'all things work together for good to them that love God' (Romans 8:28), and that God is able to bless and guide His children in such a way that the most possible good can come of a tragedy such as this. And I can tell you that Annie would have been so on board with that. She was all about bringing souls to Christ. I can see her being so excited that she could be a part of the great good that came about through her death. I just know her, and I know this is how she feels."
"No. I'm not the same person. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm not the same person."
October 16, 2018
Carried is one that I’ve wanted to read ever since I saw it was coming out! I love books that talk about what someone has gone through. And we actually met the family a time or two at some of her Dad, Jon Schmidt’s (of the Piano Guys) concerts. I was so glad to find this one at my local Deseret Book and I bought it. Gasp… I bought a book…it’s really rare for me to actually buy a book.
I remember how I felt when Annie Schmidt went missing a couple of years ago. The panic that Jon and Michelle Schmidt must have felt on her behalf made me want to hold our kids tighter. And we’d been in the general area she was missing. There are so many places a person could go missing in the Columbia River Gorge and never be found in a million years.
I loved the way this one is written. It’s written from Michelle Schmidt’s perspective. She was the first one to discover that Annie was missing. And the way her feelings are explained makes the reader feel a portion of how Michelle would have been feeling during that time. But, not only does she talk about what she experienced then, but she also talks about all the lessons she had learned throughout her life that helped her in that hard time.
I loved Carried! There were so many parts of it that touched me in different ways. I learned many lessons of my own as I read this one. Make sure to get your own copy!
I remember how I felt when Annie Schmidt went missing a couple of years ago. The panic that Jon and Michelle Schmidt must have felt on her behalf made me want to hold our kids tighter. And we’d been in the general area she was missing. There are so many places a person could go missing in the Columbia River Gorge and never be found in a million years.
I loved the way this one is written. It’s written from Michelle Schmidt’s perspective. She was the first one to discover that Annie was missing. And the way her feelings are explained makes the reader feel a portion of how Michelle would have been feeling during that time. But, not only does she talk about what she experienced then, but she also talks about all the lessons she had learned throughout her life that helped her in that hard time.
I loved Carried! There were so many parts of it that touched me in different ways. I learned many lessons of my own as I read this one. Make sure to get your own copy!
November 1, 2018
Such a sweet, tender account of Michelle Schmidt's faith while going through not just the difficult trial of losing her daughter after a hiking accident, but also of living life as a daughter, mother, and wife. Life isn't easy, and our faith and beliefs are tested all the time. That is how we become stronger, and I teared up more than once as I could relate to so many of Michelle's experiences.
Many tender, and personal experiences were shared, and I felt like I was listening to a friend tell her story. I especially appreciated the tributes to Annie at the end. She sounds like such a special person who influenced many.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Michelle. I have been moved, and want to become a better person after reading this book.
Many tender, and personal experiences were shared, and I felt like I was listening to a friend tell her story. I especially appreciated the tributes to Annie at the end. She sounds like such a special person who influenced many.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Michelle. I have been moved, and want to become a better person after reading this book.
September 14, 2018
This is Michelle Schmidt's story about the loss of her daughter Annie. Jon Schmidt, her husband is the original Piano Guy. Through her voice her co-writer and she tell the whole story about Annie's disappearance and the search to find her. Interspersed between those chapters are a little of the history of Jon and Michelle's courtship, their growing family, and their career choices and growth. Intertwined in the whole book is the faith that kept them strong throughout this tragedy. Their firm belief in Jesus Christ and his atoning power are made evident throughout.
December 1, 2018
Like many people, I was saddened to learn that, in October 2016, a young LDS woman (who happened to be the daughter of one of The Piano Guys) went missing in the Columbia River Gorge. Having been raised in the area, I knew firsthand how dense and treacherous the terrain there could be. Searchers combed the land for Annie Schmidt for a month until her remains were finally found by cadaver dogs. She had been killed in an accidental fall while hiking.
CARRIED is Annie's story as told by her mother, Michelle Schmidt. Although Michelle talks about the agony, frustration, and grief that she felt during the search for Annie, she focuses mostly on how her faith in God carried her through that awful tragedy. Michelle discusses the many faith-promoting experiences of her life and how they taught her and prepared her to weather the storm of losing Annie. CARRIED is a quick read, but one that is both uplifting and inspiring. Michelle is honest and real about many of her life's struggles, making her story relatable and real. I learned a lot from it.
CARRIED is Annie's story as told by her mother, Michelle Schmidt. Although Michelle talks about the agony, frustration, and grief that she felt during the search for Annie, she focuses mostly on how her faith in God carried her through that awful tragedy. Michelle discusses the many faith-promoting experiences of her life and how they taught her and prepared her to weather the storm of losing Annie. CARRIED is a quick read, but one that is both uplifting and inspiring. Michelle is honest and real about many of her life's struggles, making her story relatable and real. I learned a lot from it.
November 14, 2018
This book is so chilling and so amazing. I don't know the Schmidt family personally, but I have followed Jon Schmidt as a pianist since the 90's, learned to play some of his solo music, and I remember when Annie was missing in 2016. I fasted and prayed for her to be found. I cried when her remains were identified. As the next Piano Guys song came out, I wondered if it really was "gonna be okay" for them. And I heard about some of the miracles that occurred around that time. When I heard this book was out, I knew I had to read it. And I am so glad I did! It is about Annie's disappearance and death but it is also about Michelle's lifelong spiritual journey and reliance on God. It is about listening to the voice of the Spirit and drawing on the power of covenants. Chapter 3 has one of the most beautiful experiences I have read anywhere. It reminded me of the verse that "the fruit of the Spirit is... peace."
I love the juxtaposition of the search and rescue chapters between the biographical chapters and how they're tied together with testimony. This is so well written! I enjoyed learning about their family's financial struggles and their reliance on God and faith in Priesthood blessings in building Jon's musical career. These are real people with real lives.
The chapter on covenants is absolutely amazing! The letters from her missionary sons brought me to tears--tears of joy and testimony and beauty. This is definitely a book to share with the spiritually sensitive.
The title is perfect. I could feel her being carried by Christ through her trials as He has carried me through mine.
In one part, Michelle said something like "some may read this and think--is this the same person I used to know? And my answer is, No, because of the Savior, I am not the same person." That is the gospel of Christ to me.
I love the juxtaposition of the search and rescue chapters between the biographical chapters and how they're tied together with testimony. This is so well written! I enjoyed learning about their family's financial struggles and their reliance on God and faith in Priesthood blessings in building Jon's musical career. These are real people with real lives.
The chapter on covenants is absolutely amazing! The letters from her missionary sons brought me to tears--tears of joy and testimony and beauty. This is definitely a book to share with the spiritually sensitive.
The title is perfect. I could feel her being carried by Christ through her trials as He has carried me through mine.
In one part, Michelle said something like "some may read this and think--is this the same person I used to know? And my answer is, No, because of the Savior, I am not the same person." That is the gospel of Christ to me.
March 19, 2019
This story was heartbreaking, yet uplifting and inspirational. I loved learning the background of Annie and her upbringing and the way events in her parents lives influenced their reactions and experiences surrounding her disappearance. I remember when this happened and as a mother, remember feeling a piece of the sadness that this family must have endured. The Lord's hand in all things is apparent.
May 18, 2019
I’ve had this sitting in my TBR pile for a very long time. Wanting to read it, not wanting to read it.
After following this tragedy on social media - I felt intrigued into how parents can find a way through these unthinkable events. It’s the reason I read An Unseen Angel, and why I decided this one needed to be read too. While it’s true I wept through many pages of this book, the courage and fortitude of these women just amaze me. The insight, the perspective. The piecing together of significant events in hindsight and actually acknowledging the hand of God was incredible.
So tender, so vulnerable. So beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story.
After following this tragedy on social media - I felt intrigued into how parents can find a way through these unthinkable events. It’s the reason I read An Unseen Angel, and why I decided this one needed to be read too. While it’s true I wept through many pages of this book, the courage and fortitude of these women just amaze me. The insight, the perspective. The piecing together of significant events in hindsight and actually acknowledging the hand of God was incredible.
So tender, so vulnerable. So beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story.
September 5, 2026
This book is so touching and yet so sad! I agree that God prepares us by different things in life, and I like how this author portrayed that. I was rethinking reading it though, because literally the day after I finished it, I got a call from the doctor saying they thought my son had muscle cancer. Thankfully the biopsy came back negative, but it had me pausing to think about my faith. I hear other's trials and I decide that I'll keep mine.
November 8, 2018
The title is a great summary of the book. This one is worth reading.
October 2, 2018
Have you heard of the preforming group The Piano Guys? You might remember in 2016 when one of their daughters, Annie, was missing in Oregon and later was discovered dead through misadventure while hiking alone. This is her Mother’s account of her journey through this experience and how the lessons she had been taught by God throughout her life, had prepared her to be able to deal with this terrible tragedy. Here are some highlights-
“I’ve come to believe that if I truly want to rend the veil and hear God’s voice more, I need to grow in appreciation for Him. I need to grow in my understanding of Him. As I’ve sought to do so, my closeness to Him grows stronger and stronger.”
She mentions that the first time she drove into the Columbia, River Gorge to start the search for Annie, she said to herself that she understood why her daughter loved it so much here. It was beautiful! She heard her daughter reply. But the only way for that to happen is if Annie was dead. She talks about how that conversation with her daughter comforted her and guided her through the weeks ahead.
Thousands of people helped in the search for Annie. Be it the physical search, spreading the word online, praying and fasting, and in many other ways. One of the most beautiful things she talks about is how so many people regardless of religion were drawn by God to help them and put in their path just when they needed them. Their ability to trust God with this has been honed by many years of experiences trying to hear his voice and trust him.
Could you submit to God the loss of your child if it was his will? We would all like to think we could submit to God. But could we actually do it. Michelle chronicles her time working towards that as she prayed over another of her children who was fighting for his life.
“The more our knowledge increases of Them and Their reality, Their loving kindness and Their omnipotence, the more ability we have to obtain Their help in the things we are struggling through on this earth. That is why Shadrach, Meshach, and Abend-nego could tell King Nebuchadnezzar, when he was threatening to through them into the fire,.. “Our God will deliver us.”… They knew in whom they trusted. They knew their God and their Deliver, Jesus Christ. And I believe that when you know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, you know you can trust Them. If They let you burn, or if They let your child die, you can trust that it was either Their will, for a purpose that you cannot see at the time, or that They will bless you that all things will work together for your good.”
This book made me cry repeatedly. But they were happy tears. They were tears of feeling the Lord’s gracious spirit. This is one woman’s testimony of how she was able to go through one of the most horrific times of her life, and still trust God, still believe.
“I’ve come to believe that if I truly want to rend the veil and hear God’s voice more, I need to grow in appreciation for Him. I need to grow in my understanding of Him. As I’ve sought to do so, my closeness to Him grows stronger and stronger.”
She mentions that the first time she drove into the Columbia, River Gorge to start the search for Annie, she said to herself that she understood why her daughter loved it so much here. It was beautiful! She heard her daughter reply. But the only way for that to happen is if Annie was dead. She talks about how that conversation with her daughter comforted her and guided her through the weeks ahead.
Thousands of people helped in the search for Annie. Be it the physical search, spreading the word online, praying and fasting, and in many other ways. One of the most beautiful things she talks about is how so many people regardless of religion were drawn by God to help them and put in their path just when they needed them. Their ability to trust God with this has been honed by many years of experiences trying to hear his voice and trust him.
Could you submit to God the loss of your child if it was his will? We would all like to think we could submit to God. But could we actually do it. Michelle chronicles her time working towards that as she prayed over another of her children who was fighting for his life.
“The more our knowledge increases of Them and Their reality, Their loving kindness and Their omnipotence, the more ability we have to obtain Their help in the things we are struggling through on this earth. That is why Shadrach, Meshach, and Abend-nego could tell King Nebuchadnezzar, when he was threatening to through them into the fire,.. “Our God will deliver us.”… They knew in whom they trusted. They knew their God and their Deliver, Jesus Christ. And I believe that when you know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, you know you can trust Them. If They let you burn, or if They let your child die, you can trust that it was either Their will, for a purpose that you cannot see at the time, or that They will bless you that all things will work together for your good.”
This book made me cry repeatedly. But they were happy tears. They were tears of feeling the Lord’s gracious spirit. This is one woman’s testimony of how she was able to go through one of the most horrific times of her life, and still trust God, still believe.
October 26, 2018
Life has it's up's and down's. Hard things happen to everybody. Death is inevitable. I loved reading about Michelle's experience and was very touched by her perspective and her trust. It is very faith promoting to get a sneak peek of someone's life who is struggling every day to set aside her own will and trust in God's. I really loved the way that Angie and michelle wrote this with chapters about the experience with the search and then Michelle's life. The back-and-forth created a great flow. This was very readable and easy yet heart-wrenching at the same time. Well done.
November 1, 2018
This is a very honest and personal book. Michelle Schmidt opens her heart and many of her life experiences to share her feelings of Jesus Christ, especially how He carried her through the devastation of losing her daughter Annie. These are not perfect people which makes it all the more remarkable that this book is so candid and authentic.
May 16, 2021
How the authors managed to turn a heartbreaking experience into such an uplifting and inspiring book is beyond me. There are so many lessons that hit very close to home for me, I definitely have a lot to work on after reading this book!
August 24, 2020
This was a beautiful story of how Michelle Schmidt got through the trial of losing her daughter and having a long national search for her in the Columbia Gorge, a tragedy no mother ever wants to face. Her trust in God got her through, and her story she tells through this book tells how she built that trust in God over many decades of hardship and challenges that tested her faith immensely. It was super uplifting, inspiring, and Annie’s manifesto near the end (Annie is her twenty-something-old daughter she lost) just filled me with chills. This whole book filled me with good chills. Her testimony of God really touched me and inspired me to work harder to be more humble and loving, like her Annie was. Annie loved everyone, no matter where they were in life. I love this quote by Annie in a letter to her younger brothers before they started high school: “If you want to truly be remembered and have a lasting influence and effect on your school and community, strive to always be motivated by love. Desire to serve because you care about your eternal brothers and sisters all around you.”
November 24, 2018
In October 2016, hiker Annie Schmidt went missing in the Columbia River Gorge. I knew that this book would be a testament of God’s guidance as a family searched for the body; I figured there would be some information in here, too, about Jon Schmidt’s career and celebrity as a member of The Piano Guys. I also knew this book would be about Annie herself, her love for others and her happy spirit. Yes, this book was about all of those things — but mostly it was about an ordinary mother learning to trust in God.
With great authenticity, Michelle Schmidt shares lessons she’s learned over the years: the pride she had to recognize in herself and set aside over and over again, and how learning to rely on the Lord through other trials prepared her to trust in the Lord during this ultimate test. I appreciated the stories of Michelle dealing with health issues, young motherhood, financial instability, and the depression that came because of those experiences. Michelle’s vulnerability in sharing this story - not just the shiny, happy version but also the moments of weakness - were my favorite part of this book.
Though I don’t know Michelle Schmidt personally, I feel as though her grief is intertwined with mine. I lost my dad to cancer in October 2016; he died on the 19th, the same day that Michelle discovered that Annie was missing. This happened just weeks after a big move. It was the pinnacle of one of the hardest, loneliest times of my life, and even two years later, I still struggle with it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to read this book without reflecting on my own experiences and grief, and I didn’t know whether that would be a good thing or not. But as I read, I could feel Michelle’s genuinely good intentions. I felt inspired and uplifted. I was reminded of times the Spirit has spoken to me, and I felt encouraged to strengthen my own relationship with God. It was truly a healing experience to read this book.
Well written, beautiful story. I’m so glad I read it.
—-
“At one point in the day somebody said to me, ‘I sure hope this has a good outcome.’ I thought to myself, ‘It will. The outcome is guaranteed. Christ made sure of that long ago. He has guaranteed our outcome.’” (p. 31)
“Wherever you find the gifts of the Spirit manifest through priesthood ordinances, you will find a safety net waiting there to catch you, to save you, to help you. I wonder if sometimes, for those of us who have grown up in the Church, this is a blessing we take for granted because we’ve grown used to always having it.” (p. 48)
“‘It is not easy to have patience. But it is easy to pray for patience.’” (p. 84)
“As I prayerfully sought for help with this matter, I realized I was being proud. I was taking credit for something that wasn’t even mine. Had the Lord not given is everything we’d achieved? The talent. The ideas. The people who helped us. Even the breath that sustained us from minute to minute. We owed everything to Him.” (p. 103)
Quote from Harry S. Truman: “You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in this work, when you don’t care who gets the credit.” (p. 105)
“I realized that all of my sacrifices, as overwhelming as they were, were only a similitude of the sacrifice of the Savior. My appreciation for the Savior and His Atonement were magnified and deepened. It cannot be described in words; it can only be experienced through the Spirit. We can’t really appreciate the law of sacrifice until we have truly sacrificed.” (p. 131)
“This experience was bigger than ourselves — we were being used as instruments in the Lord’s hands for the blessing and strengthening of many lives.” (p. 148)
“The ‘but if not’ attitude means that we surrender our own desires to whatever the Lord’s will may be. I wanted to find my daughter so badly, but I had to be willing to submit to the fact that our finding Annie may not be the Lord’s will. I had to be okay with that because, if my will was not aligned with His, then I would be distancing myself from Him and doing this alone. And on my own I would be a total wreck. He is my all. He is my rock, my foundation, my strength, my support, my Savior, my advocate, and my friend. There is no way I could risk separating myself from Him.” (p. 138)
With great authenticity, Michelle Schmidt shares lessons she’s learned over the years: the pride she had to recognize in herself and set aside over and over again, and how learning to rely on the Lord through other trials prepared her to trust in the Lord during this ultimate test. I appreciated the stories of Michelle dealing with health issues, young motherhood, financial instability, and the depression that came because of those experiences. Michelle’s vulnerability in sharing this story - not just the shiny, happy version but also the moments of weakness - were my favorite part of this book.
Though I don’t know Michelle Schmidt personally, I feel as though her grief is intertwined with mine. I lost my dad to cancer in October 2016; he died on the 19th, the same day that Michelle discovered that Annie was missing. This happened just weeks after a big move. It was the pinnacle of one of the hardest, loneliest times of my life, and even two years later, I still struggle with it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to read this book without reflecting on my own experiences and grief, and I didn’t know whether that would be a good thing or not. But as I read, I could feel Michelle’s genuinely good intentions. I felt inspired and uplifted. I was reminded of times the Spirit has spoken to me, and I felt encouraged to strengthen my own relationship with God. It was truly a healing experience to read this book.
Well written, beautiful story. I’m so glad I read it.
—-
“At one point in the day somebody said to me, ‘I sure hope this has a good outcome.’ I thought to myself, ‘It will. The outcome is guaranteed. Christ made sure of that long ago. He has guaranteed our outcome.’” (p. 31)
“Wherever you find the gifts of the Spirit manifest through priesthood ordinances, you will find a safety net waiting there to catch you, to save you, to help you. I wonder if sometimes, for those of us who have grown up in the Church, this is a blessing we take for granted because we’ve grown used to always having it.” (p. 48)
“‘It is not easy to have patience. But it is easy to pray for patience.’” (p. 84)
“As I prayerfully sought for help with this matter, I realized I was being proud. I was taking credit for something that wasn’t even mine. Had the Lord not given is everything we’d achieved? The talent. The ideas. The people who helped us. Even the breath that sustained us from minute to minute. We owed everything to Him.” (p. 103)
Quote from Harry S. Truman: “You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in this work, when you don’t care who gets the credit.” (p. 105)
“I realized that all of my sacrifices, as overwhelming as they were, were only a similitude of the sacrifice of the Savior. My appreciation for the Savior and His Atonement were magnified and deepened. It cannot be described in words; it can only be experienced through the Spirit. We can’t really appreciate the law of sacrifice until we have truly sacrificed.” (p. 131)
“This experience was bigger than ourselves — we were being used as instruments in the Lord’s hands for the blessing and strengthening of many lives.” (p. 148)
“The ‘but if not’ attitude means that we surrender our own desires to whatever the Lord’s will may be. I wanted to find my daughter so badly, but I had to be willing to submit to the fact that our finding Annie may not be the Lord’s will. I had to be okay with that because, if my will was not aligned with His, then I would be distancing myself from Him and doing this alone. And on my own I would be a total wreck. He is my all. He is my rock, my foundation, my strength, my support, my Savior, my advocate, and my friend. There is no way I could risk separating myself from Him.” (p. 138)
February 25, 2021
I have pulled this book for patrons for a bit now, but had never read it. So interesting and so touching. Schmidt is very open about her experience searching for her adult daughter Annie, who went missing after hiking in Oregon. But her story is so much more. She shares some of her past, the work of herself and her husband-musician Jon Schmidt in growing their business, her faith. And I was so touched by Annie herself. The letters Schmidt shares from Annie's friends; She was someone who really tried to make a difference in people's lives.
This is one I will read again, I appreciate her insight into life.
This is one I will read again, I appreciate her insight into life.
February 20, 2019
This book is truly inspirational and I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say sacred. Of course the book is gut-wrenching because it's about losing a child, but it was also a testimony of how Christ can get us through any trial we may face. I was able to take away many lessons from the Schmidt's horrible tragedy.
I wish I could thank the authors Michelle and Angie for writing such a beautiful book.
I wish I could thank the authors Michelle and Angie for writing such a beautiful book.
April 17, 2021
The true story of Michelle Schmidt as her daughter, Annie, goes missing right when they were supposed to go camping together. This was a story of faith, hope, and trusting the Lord. I was so touched by the many stories of guidance and promptings from the Holy Ghost and how Michelle, her family, and those involved listened to those promptings. A true testament that the heavens are still open and God still communicates with His children. I loved this one.
October 20, 2026
A beautiful tribute to a daughter whose tragic death was a shock to her family. This books is more than just a memory of a daughter. It is a memoir, a faith-filled tribute, and a testimony of a mother. It’s beautiful and tender. I found out this morning that the author, Michelle, passed away this week and I cried nearly the whole day as I was reading it. What an amazing example of a life well lived.
February 10, 2022
Very moving story of faith and patience in the Lord’s timing.
August 9, 2022
An amazing story of finding faith. Of hope and of the blessings of the temple.
June 9, 2020
I finished this book a week or two ago and I'm still mulling over it. Pondering it. On one hand, there were times it made me feel absolutely inadequate. My son passed away in 2012 and I did not handle it nearly as well as Michelle. And, it's not that I didn't have moments that prepared me to trust in God. But when the time came for my faith to be tested, I felt like I failed the test. It was shattering to me. Yes, I struggled and wrestled and made my way back to trust, but I still struggle with COMPLETE trust. As a swimming instructor who lets their student go and they end up almost drowning, it's difficult to trust the instructor again, but I've made progress and I am thankful for books like this to help bouy up my faith and also know that we all have our own journeys to go through.
January 14, 2019
Carried is a beautiful memoir written by Michelle Schmidt and Angie Taylor. Michelle is married to Jon Schmidt from The Piano Guys. I have been a Piano Guys fan since I first heard their mashup of Love Story that became so popular. I remember the day the news announced that Jon and Michelle's daughter was missing and I remember feeling so sad for them. I loved Michelle's raw honesty in this book. She wrote often about how her faith and trust in God was/is the key to helping her cope with the death of her beautiful daughter Annie. This was a very inspiring read.
December 17, 2018
I was sent this lovely book to read and I really enjoyed it.
It's a story of choosing faith in the midst of a difficult trial. Michelle shares her heartache and how she chose to rely on God when faced with the unthinkable. You get all the background details of a story we all watched through social media and it was nice to hear the whole story from their perspective. Go read it today.
It's a story of choosing faith in the midst of a difficult trial. Michelle shares her heartache and how she chose to rely on God when faced with the unthinkable. You get all the background details of a story we all watched through social media and it was nice to hear the whole story from their perspective. Go read it today.
December 11, 2018
Though what happened to Annie was terribly sad, it was beautiful to see how many people reached out to help find her. Annie herself was an extraordinary person, and I absolutely loved her letter to her twin brothers; every teen should read it.
December 9, 2018
Wow, the miracles that flowed into this family's life during their search for Annie and during Michelle and John Schmidt's married life are just amazing. Such a spiritual journey to find Annie. Great read.
October 17, 2018
My favorite book from this year.
Spoilers if you don't already know the story of Annie Schmidt.
With the help of Angie Taylor, Michelle Schmidt recounts how her family coped with the search and loss of their daughter just two years ago. When Annie Schmidt went missing 2 years ago, the story went around the world in part due to her father's fame as a member of The Piano Guys. The received help from so many people for whom she gives much credit and sincere appreciation. But the heart of the book is about their faith in God and in Jesus Christ and how living a life of faith prepared them to cope with this tragedy.
Michelle shared very personal insights; tender letters to and from children; and it concludes with a beautiful excerpt from Annie's journal. It is a book of hope, light, and inspiration to be a better, kinder person.
A few friends have wondered why we send our children on missions for 2 years; this book explains why.
Spoilers if you don't already know the story of Annie Schmidt.
With the help of Angie Taylor, Michelle Schmidt recounts how her family coped with the search and loss of their daughter just two years ago. When Annie Schmidt went missing 2 years ago, the story went around the world in part due to her father's fame as a member of The Piano Guys. The received help from so many people for whom she gives much credit and sincere appreciation. But the heart of the book is about their faith in God and in Jesus Christ and how living a life of faith prepared them to cope with this tragedy.
Michelle shared very personal insights; tender letters to and from children; and it concludes with a beautiful excerpt from Annie's journal. It is a book of hope, light, and inspiration to be a better, kinder person.
A few friends have wondered why we send our children on missions for 2 years; this book explains why.
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