An incredibly powerful and important memoir by Susan Spencer-Wendel, a wife and mother of three who, after being diagnosed with ALS (also known as motor neurone or Lou Gehrig's Disease), set out to make each day important and memorable for herself and her loved ones. Moving and inspirational, this memoir in life lessons is THE LAST LECTURE for women.
In June 2011, Susan Spencer-Wendel was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as motor neurone or Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a disease that systematically destroys nerves that power muscles; Susan, 45 years old and a mother of three, already walks with braces and is losing her ability to speak. Though Susan cannot stop the rapid decline of her body, she refuses to let her life stop before its time. Since her diagnosis, Susan has made sure that every day counts, is more present than ever in her daily life, and is ready to share her strength, determination, and spirit. Susan's story began growing interest when she published a piece in her local paper about a trip she took to see the Northern Lights following her diagnosis. But this was just the first of many special travels, including a visit to Budapest, where she and her husband spent the first two years of their marriage; a cross-country journey to Northern California to meet her birth mother; and soon a trip to Cyprus, the home country of her deceased birth father, to reunite with the relatives of a man who never knew she existed and return their treasured family Bible.
But one of the most important adventures Susan has planned - the story that drew national attention when mentioned by the Wall Street Journal - will bring Susan to New York City with her 14 year old daughter, Marina, where the two will share the experience of Marina's search for the perfect dress for the wedding Susan will never see.
Though the two will not be buying a dress quite so early in Marina's life, their plans, and Susan's story have begun to touch people around the world. Susan writes, 'I'm beyond thankful so many people can relate to and empathise with my story. I'm glad people are moved. I'm happy Marina and I have stumbled, accidently, on something that crystallises what it means to be a family, to grow up, to dream, to die, but more importantly to live fully and joyfully.'
Until I Say Goodbye is a truly magical story and so much more than one woman's 'bucket list'. It's a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us.
About the Author
A journalist for over twenty years, Susan Spencer-Wendel left her job as an award-winning courts reporter for the Palm Beach Post when she was diagnosed in 2011. She has been honoured by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Florida Press Club and Florida Bar for her coverage of legal issues. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida. She lives in Florida with her husband, John, and their three children, 14-year-old Marina, 10-year-old Aubrey and 8-year-old Wesley.
Susan is writing the book on her iPhone. As she says, 'thank god for technology'.
Bret Witter 'who co-wrote Dewey' will be helping Susan put the book together.
Industry Reviews
Less a memoir about dying than a template for life. The spirit of the book - her spirit - is uplifting. * Sabine Durrant, Guardian *
Her heart-ripping book chronicles what she did immediately after her diagnosis: she decided to embrace life while death chased her down... endearing and all too human. * New York Times *
Inspiring. * Guardian *
You might worry that a memoir about living with a terminal disease could be too upsetting. Instead, in Susan Spencer Wendel's hands it is both life-enhancing and inspiring. In Until I Say Good-Bye she chronicles her last year of adventures as she wrings every ounce of joy out of her remaining months. * Good Housekeeping *
A poignant, wise love story. * Kirkus Reviews *
Her honesty and frustration are underscored with a wicked sense of humour. * ABC News *
The tales are painfully honest, and they're heartbreaking because we know the inevitable outcome. But mostly, they're inspiring. Spencer-Wendel, even in the darkest of moments, remains insistent on happiness - staggeringly so. * US News and World Report *
...almost unbearably moving chronicle of how Spencer-Wendel went about creating lasting moments in that year for the ones she loved. * New York Daily News *
The inspirational account of a woman whose ALS diagnosis and subsequent physical decline don't prevent her from enjoying life to the fullest, which she proves. * O Magazine *
An emotional roller-coaster of a memoir. * The Age *
Susan Spencer-Wendel had to face the question, 'What would you do if you had a year to live?' This profound, tender, and often funny account of her experiences will remind readers of what really matters most: love. * Gretchen Rubin *
This is not a book drowning in tears. It remains optimistic for the future, even if the author will not be there to see it. There is laughter and, as promised, joy throughout. * Daily Express *
It's a touching and brutally honest account of one mother's inspiring attempt to get the most out of the time she has left. * USA Today *
All you can do... is to turn the pages, slack-jawed, in awe at her insistence on having powerful, individual experiences. * Huffington Post *
Journalist Spencer-Wendel discovered she was ill when her left hand suddenly became withered. As she struggles to come to terms with knowing something is wrong - not wanting to find out, then not fully believing the doctor's ALS diagnosis - she writes with courage and strength... Spencer-Wendel's life will sadly be cut short, but in writing her story, she shows her family and friends how to go on, choosing happiness and love over fear. * Publishers Weekly *
