A luminous testament to the enduring power of love, this debut memoir reveals how love triumphs over pain, transcends fear and never dies. Written by Sally McQuillen, a mother grieving the loss of her young-adult son, it is a must-read for parents who have faced the unthinkable—whether they have lost a child, are raising one on the edge of their seat or are navigating the complexities of addiction within their family.

When McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher, dies in a boating accident, her worst fear becomes reality. Christopher was a risk-taker, a thrill-seeker who struggled with addiction, and his life was as exhilarating as it was fragile. In this deeply moving memoir, McQuillen chronicles his jam-packed years with raw honesty and profound love, weaving in reflections on her own childhood and her family’s history of alcoholism.

Through the dual lens of a grieving mother and an experienced psychotherapist, McQuillen explores the emotional aftershocks of loss with striking insight and vulnerability. Even those who have not experienced such a tragedy will recognize themselves in her bittersweet struggle to protect a child she could not ultimately save, her journey to release fear and guilt, and the lessons grief teaches her about forgiveness, resilience and the boundless reach of love.

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