Walking Taylor Home

"Walking Taylor Home" is one of the few books that I've read and re-read. As a physician-in-training, I think this should be required reading in medical school, and in pediatric and heme/onc residencies. I've recommended this book many times to patients' families who are struggling with their loved one's serious illnesses.I was initially introduced to Brian Schraeger's writing in a book by Sheila Walsh ("Honestly," I think) a few years ago. She had quoted one of Brian's email missives in which he described his family's hope in God in the midst of suffering. I was so touched by one of Brian's emails that I quoted it in our family Christmas letter that year. I thought at the time, "I hope this guy writes a book some day." Thus, when I saw "Walking Taylor Home" at the book store, I was thrilled, and bought it without even reading the dust cover. At the time, I was reeling from the cancer diagnoses of three close friends, all of whom were undergoing surgery, chemo, and/or radiation as young adults. Brian's raw descriptions ministered to me personally, and helped me to better support and encourage my friends and their families.I just finished reading this book for the second time in 2-1/2 years because yet another personal friend is a heme/onc patient. Again, Brian's words inspired and encouraged me. When I shared a funny story about Taylor with this friend, she laughed out loud, which doesn't happen much these days. Taylor probably would've been pleased with himself for making an adult who was in so much pain howl like that. It occurred to me that this kid whom I've never met, continues to "live" in the laughter of people like my friend, who really needed a chuckle.

What struck me about this book was the undying faith this family had in God. I still do not understand why God in all his compassion and love let this unique child die? Perhaps someday I will learn the answer to this question. Neverless, this book gives the average amereican a look at what we are as a people, our compassion, our love, our faith, our determination never to give up hope. I am a person who enjoys short stories, newspaper articles, however, this book kept my attention to the pages and the events as they were written. I do hope you enjoy it.

Oh, what to write if you were going to persuade someone to read a story written by the father of a young boy who was diagnosed with a terminal illness? For most of us, this would not be a first choice. I like happy endings. We probably all have enough going on without burdening ourselves with a story about a dying child. But, amazingly, this one does not leave you hopelessly sad. Instead, it is full of amazing life lessons. Lessons about the power of words, causing pain or delivering someone from it. Another good lesson is the one on the pain of rejection. There is a lesson on fear. One on anger. Many lessons from Taylor on how to find the humor when nothing seems funny to anyone else. And there is one on how God's ways are mysterious to us and are higher than ours. Another on keeping faith when we've filtered God's answer to our prayers so that the "answer" fits our own desires. (He answered and we believed we heard, but as it turns out, hindsight revealed more understanding of His answer. Been there, done that?) But the common thread throughout this book is one that mirrors the relationship of the Father and the Son. And the best lesson of all was the one that Taylor teaches best in his attempts to comfort his dad - Always seek to please the Father, because it is only in seeking to please the Father that one will find strength, hope, patience, understanding, trust and abounding love. And to quote Taylor "It's only life." We're just passing through. This wonderful book is a map to a treasure chest of valuables - those that do not decay or rust. Come and see what you can find here to help you do those things that please the Father. Come take hold of a treasure you can keep forever. Even with all the tough news the medical profession had for this incredibly resilient child, he will still make you laugh. This is a story you won't forget. Thank you, Taylor, for being an amazing child, so full of grace. And thank you, Brian, for using your God-given writing talent to share this beautiful story.

Terribly sad--gut-wrenching for anyone-not justparents.If faith is not part of your world the this story will make you want what Taylor and his familyhave.Although its written from a dads point of view--I canonly imagine as a Mom what his Mom endured. He's apartof her heart.Pick the book up, take your time reading it--you will cry, your soul will ache but the joy will follow. It will change your life!

This book is an unflinchingly honest journal of a father and son's relationship as they deal with one of life's biggest challenges - facing a terminal illness. It is so real in it's application of faith, and in examining how one maintains that faith even when prayers are not answered and other Christians think you need to only believe for a miracle. It gets to the heart of what Jesus meant when he said "blessed are those who mourn". It will inspire you and touch you more deeply than any neat little miracle story ever could have. Refreshingly cuts to the deeper aspects of our spiritual walk. You'll laugh and cry and cheer for Taylor and his family. You'll continue to pray for them as they walk out their own journey home without him.