Colors of Goodbye

A Memoir of Holding on, Letting Go, and Reclaiming Joy in the Wake of Loss

By: September Vaudrey

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Before May 31, 2008, September Vaudrey's life was beautiful. But on that day, with one phone call from the ER, her whole world - everything she knew and believed - was shaken to the core. Katie, her 19-year-old artist daughter, had been in a car accident and would not survive. How does a family live in the wake of devastating tragedy? When darkness colors every moment, is it possible to find light? Can God still be good, even after goodbye?

With the depth of C. S. Lewis's A Grief Observed and the poignancy of Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, Colors of Goodbye offers a moving glimpse into a mother's heart. Combining literary narrative and raw reflection, September Vaudrey walks through one of life's worst losses - the death of a child - and slowly becomes open to watching for the unexpected ways God carries her through it. It's a story of love and tragedy in tandem; a deeply personal memoir from a life forever changed by one empty place. And at its core, Colors of Goodbye calls to the deepest part of our spirits to know that death is not the end...and that life can be beautiful still.

©2016 September Vaudrey (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Exquisitely balanced between sadness and joy, this sensitive account of a mother's loss will leave ripples." ( Publishers Weekly)

very good!

this book was just what I needed to hear. I lost my son Feb 12, 2016. this was a very good book. it tells very honestly, of her grief, journey after her loss. which resembles mine closely. I needed this. awesome book.

Great

Having lost my 18 year old son, I was really able to relate to the author. it is a very real account of the things mom's go through

ENCOURAGING TEARS

52 days ago my 31 year old daughter went to Heaven. Colors of Goodbye was bittersweet for me. I cried through most of the book. However, the process toward healing that September describes gave me hope that one day I too might survive this horrific loss.

Thank you
Jeanne

Losing a Child

I too lost a child. A 20 year old son. My only son.
I chose September Vaudrys book because my son was born in September. I loved hearing her story thru the soothing voice of the narrator. September is a Christian woman and I am striving to be a Christian woman myself. Everyday is a struggle without our lost children. I know that I'm not alone in this battle. while listening to her story , I thought how wonderful it would be to meet her. meet her so we can share the stories of our babies. I took great pleasure in listening to this book. I plan on listening again. Thank you and God bless.

helpful and a difficult time

So many words in this story rung true in my life. Although this is not a journey I would wish upon anyone it gave me some hope and faith that my family and I will make it through this great tragedy.

A fellow loss Momma

I can’t tell you enough how amazing this book is. I feel so connected to you and your family by the beautiful way you told your story. I just lost my 4 year old May 2022 so one loss momma to another I am truly sorry for your loss and so very touched by your story. My healing journey is still very fresh and very painful but you’ve provided me with some great insight to help myself through this long road. Thank you!!

A beautiful book

This is a powerful book, a story of loss and love, faith and courage. It will bless you.

Perfectly written

This is a great book for a grieving family to read.
Gives the feelings and numbness words we can’t speak ourselves.
Very hard to read/listen to. Mainly because it hits home in my life and heart.
Thank you for pouring your heart out for us.

I lost a son in 2022

This book is wonderful. It really went through exactly the journey that I have been experiencing so I did not feel so alone in my grief. For us, parents experiencing the unthinkable loss of a child. Her journey is one of positivity, help and strength. I highly recommend this to anyone who has lost a child.

My Son Passes Sept 2020

This book helped me to understand the phases of grief I was experiencing and still experiencing. It gave me hope for done happiness even though my child is not here.