Because of Amy

How My Daughter's Death Gave Me Life (And How Your Pain Can Free You Too)

By: Rita Henry

Narrated by: Rita Henry

Rita Henry is no stranger to pain. When her daughter Amy died in her arms at 9 days old, it broke her heart wide open and exploded her world as she knew it. But pain is never the end of the story. Two years later, sobbing alone in a bathtub, trying to make sense of it all, Rita heard Amy’s voiceless voice of wisdom: My life—and my death—are an invitation for you to show up and really live.

She was right. Amy was the catalyst Rita needed to face and process the pain from her past—not just Amy’s death, but the sexual assault, rageful father, and everything in between—so she could finally be free. Because of Amy is the story of transformation, of using the most devastating pain imaginable to learn how to connect with yourself and, eventually, live more joyfully than you ever thought possible. Rita’s story is proof that no matter what you’ve been through, you can do your work and heal.

©2025 Rita Henry (P)2025 Rita Henry

It was time for me to do my work (and it’s probably time for you too)

I don't cry often. At least, I didn't used to.
Motherhood has softened that part of me, but l've spent much of my life avoiding feelings altogether.
Unlearning that has taken years of intentional work.
Then came this book... Reading it in the midst of postpartum, it cracked my heart wide open.
I found myself not just crying, but sobbing, grieving and loving all at once. The kind of tears that come from realizing how deeply I love my new daughter, and how fleeting this life is. And that a day will come where our parents aren't around.
This book reminded me how important it is to have my own back and to take responsibility for my needs instead of placing the weight of that on others. It shifted something in me. I'm walking away with a deeper commitment to being a better partner, a more present mom, and a gentler version of myself.
Thank you for doing the deep, hard work and then sharing it with such vulnerability. It's a gift to me, to my husband, and to our daughter. I'm proud, grateful, and truly in awe of Rita.

Amazing. Life changing…

Crazy raw life story that has real world applications on how to make the hard parts in your life better. Crazy adversity in the story that is only overcome with realizing the power we have instead of being “victims” of the insane world we live in. A must listen for me

Wow. This book is a MUST READ!

Listening to the audio book, I was shocked by how many of Rita’s life experiences resonated with my own. Her book was such a powerful mirror for my own pain and my own poor life choices. 😆 Hearing how she played out her trauma, gave my ego enough distance from my own story….to actually see my story through her’s. What a blessing to be able to see more deeply into how I have over functioned, people pleased, gave until it hurt…..and devalued and dismissed my own wants and needs. (Especially in my role as mother and wife. Oof!)

In addition, hearing her story and how she processed it…..its relatable, its practical. If she lived through this pain and came out on the other end stronger…then maybe more is possible for me as well. Thank you, Rita for vulnerably sharing your story, so that others can see that there is another way. We can choose to live with more peace. What a gift. ❤️