Golden Rainbows by Christine Brannen Reilly

Golden Rainbows

by Christine Brannen Reilly

My Book Review Rating:

Synopsis

Golden Rainbows is the story of Mikey Reilly’s amazing life, his brave battle against cancer and the story of his family’s fight for survival after his death.

By putting her memories down on paper Christine hopes to help other people find strength and peace after losing someone special.

Why did you decide to read this book?

Christine contacted me and asked if I would review Golden Rainbows for her. Since starting Blue Archipelago Reviews I have been privileged to read some beautiful memoirs and I was only too happy to oblige and add this one to the list.

What did you like about this book?

When you’re caught up in the trials and tribulations of every day life where everything seems like a constant battle it takes someone like Mikey Reilly to make you realise that life is something you should be thankful for.

Diagnosed with cancer at just eight months old Mikey became a constant visitor to the Children’s Hospital where over the years doctors and nurses battled against the disease.

But during that time he never complained about the hand that life had dealt him, instead he was a beautiful, courageous and outgoing little boy who stole the hearts of everyone he ever met.

Through the stories that Christine has so gracefully shared with the world I felt like I came to know Mikey and loved reading about his Valentine’s Day “date” with one of the support team, and his beautiful friendship with Summer Sanders. As a fellow lover of Disney World the recollection of him dancing with the princesses in the parade will stay with me and I’ll think of Mikey next time I’m standing on Main Street USA.

While I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to watch your child battling against this ingracious disease I am thankful to Christine for sharing her stories, the highs and the lows, the good times and the bad. I am sure that reading this book will be a comfort for those of us who have lost a loved one, as well as a key to understanding what our loved ones are going through when faced with a heart-wrenching loss.

This book isn’t morose or self-pitying, it’s enlightening and uplifting. It made me smile and it brought tears to my eyes. I hope that Golden Rainbows is snapped up by a publishing house soon so that it is available to the wider world, but for now you can buy your copy from LuLu.

“Families can be more understanding than we sometimes give them credit for. Spend less time on incidental trivial issues and spend that time walking the beach and holding hands with someone you love. It really is okay to hug your dad, and it is always a good time to call your mom. Tell your friend how much their friendship means to you. The most important of all, do not measure life by how many breaths you take. You have to measure your life by the moments that have taken your breath away. Sometimes, I still catch my breath when Mikey’s name is mentioned.”

You can find out more about Golden Rainbows and Mikey Reilly here