Book Review - For the Love of Family
For the Love of Family by Kevin C McCall - a story about the loss of a child in the most harrowing way! I was given the opportunity to read and review this story. When I read the summary, I knew I'd like to read the story right away. I have a teenage son, so I felt I'd be able to understand the emotions that these parents felt. Also, living in Florida, I thought I'd feel some familiarity with the location, having taken place in Tampa.
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For the Love of Family by Kevin McCall
Summary:
Kevin McCall answered the door early one morning and heard the news that would forever change his life. His son Ryan had been murdered after leaving a college party, near the University of Tampa.
For the Love of Family is Kevin McCall's journal entries, spanning the 6 years following the death of his son. His grief, his sorrow, his struggle to keep his marriage and family intact, as well as the journey to find and bring the murderer to justice.
Kevin struggles with the guilt of moving his family from their home in Pennsylvania for what he believed to be a better life in Florida. He can't help but feel that if they'd stayed in Pennsylvania, his son would still be alive.
This journal is a REAL account of what this father goes through, EVERY step of the way after burying his son. His wife is dealing with the death of their son in her own way and harbor's resentment towards Kevin. Joanne is the love of Kevin's life, but throughout the 6 years chronicled in his published story, he's fighting to keep his marriage together.
Every day, Kevin is tormented with the memory of the morning the officers knocked on his door to give him the news that NO parent wants to receive about one of their children. He struggles with anxiety and panic attacks and feels he can't share his feelings with his family. Thankfully, Patricia - a therapist with the Victims Assistance Program is always available for Kevin (as well as Joanne) to talk with.
As the patriarch, he feels that he needs to remain strong for his family - his wife and his 2 living kids, Kevin Jr., and Kimberly. They worry about their father but have begun to move on with their lives. While their father is happy for them, he isn't able to authentically celebrate what's good in their lives, because he constantly misses Ryan.
How to move on after a devastating loss?
When Kevin begins to feel Ryan's presence, he slowly begins to feel some peace. Ryan starts to show up in Kevin's dreams with messages to keep going and be strong. He assures his dad that he will always be there for him.
Kevin realizes that he wants to create something to always remember Ryan. Ryan was a runner, so Kevin began a foundation in Ryan's name - Ryan's Run. The foundation will help others and give back to the community, ideals that were important to Ryan. This foundation provides something for Kevin to focus on.
After several delays and postponements, the day of the trial has finally arrived. The person responsible for murdering Ryan is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. 6 years after the death of their son, Kevin and Joanne live with a new normal. Their daughter Kimberly is now married with a son, Mason Ryan, and Kevin Jr. has a girlfriend who makes him happy.
The McCalls remain in Tampa, where they realize they're meant to be. Kevin has started a new business while continuing to run the Ryan P McCall Foundation which is now a Not-for-profit organization giving back to the community they call home. They're enjoying being grandparents and are slowly learning to live without their youngest son, Ryan. Although, if you asked Kevin, he'd tell you he still sees or hears from Ryan regularly.
My Review:
This story is one of unending love - for yourself and your family. The unwillingness to allow evil to break up your family. It is also one of understanding how keeping your faith can get you through the worst of times.
I can't say that I would recommend this book to everyone. It's tough to read at times. Kevin C. McCall was very brave to share all that he went through during the MOST difficult time of his life.
Have you lost a child? If so, you can probably relate to what Kevin McCall went through grieving his son Ryan. Share your story below.
If you're interested in the foundation Kevin started, you can check it out here: ryanpmccall.com Take a look at the wonderful things this foundation has been able to do for the community.
Until my next review!
Coming soon: Young Lincoln of New Salem
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