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The Widow Chose Red?: My Journey with Jesus, John, and ALS
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
19 days and 11:44:20
100 copies available
U.S. only
A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Courage to Walk in Faith.
“She stood at his service wearing red. Not in defiance, not in denial – but in love. Because grief is not just sorrow; it is the bold echo of a love that never fades. And red is not just a color – it is the flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire that refuses to be extinguished.”
When Rachel Kerr Schneider lost her husband, the world expected her to mourn in black – to withdraw, to disappear into sorrow. But she made a different choice. She wore red. Not because she wasn’t grieving, but because love – real love – is too vibrant, too deep, too enduring to be cloaked in darkness. And because red, the color of fire, is the color of the Holy Spirit – the every-present force that carried her through the valley of grief and into a future she never imagined.
This is not just a memoir about loss – it is a story of resilience, faith, and the bold, sometimes unexpected ways we learn to live again. For anyone who has ever faced heartbreak and wondered if joy was still possible, The Widow Chose Red is a testament to the truth that even in sorrow, life still shines – and the Spirit still burns.
“Rachel has a quiet strength that’s hard to describe but impossible to miss. Even when life dealt her the hardest blow imaginable, she walked through it with faith and dignity that inspired everyone around her.
“This book is more than a story about loss—it’s about love, faith, and resilience.”
Patty Aubery, New York Times Bestselling Author,
Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul
“She stood at his service wearing red. Not in defiance, not in denial – but in love. Because grief is not just sorrow; it is the bold echo of a love that never fades. And red is not just a color – it is the flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire that refuses to be extinguished.”
When Rachel Kerr Schneider lost her husband, the world expected her to mourn in black – to withdraw, to disappear into sorrow. But she made a different choice. She wore red. Not because she wasn’t grieving, but because love – real love – is too vibrant, too deep, too enduring to be cloaked in darkness. And because red, the color of fire, is the color of the Holy Spirit – the every-present force that carried her through the valley of grief and into a future she never imagined.
This is not just a memoir about loss – it is a story of resilience, faith, and the bold, sometimes unexpected ways we learn to live again. For anyone who has ever faced heartbreak and wondered if joy was still possible, The Widow Chose Red is a testament to the truth that even in sorrow, life still shines – and the Spirit still burns.
“Rachel has a quiet strength that’s hard to describe but impossible to miss. Even when life dealt her the hardest blow imaginable, she walked through it with faith and dignity that inspired everyone around her.
“This book is more than a story about loss—it’s about love, faith, and resilience.”
Patty Aubery, New York Times Bestselling Author,
Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
142 people want to read
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April 26, 2025
“Hope held me together” – Spiritual resonance from a wondrous woman!
Author Rachel Kerr Schneider places before the public this sensitive, entertaining, compassionate, and yes, humorous memoir andspiritual guide, and in doing so provides support for those encountering tragedy – words and thoughts to cope. The chosen title THE WIDOW CHOSE RED? – is explained well at book’s end, and the subtitle - My Journey with Jesus, John, and ALS - condenses the content.
Reflecting her gifts for coordinating as an account executive for an advertising agency, Rachel describes herself as a Southern “big hair, southern drawl, mounds of makeup” persona from Mississippi and opens with her 1985 arranged meeting in Dallas with John Schneider, a professional and career committed man, having first met his handsome and ebullient brother Ron. In 1987 Rachel and John are married and begin their trek across the states following John’s highly successful career – Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco area, Dallas, Chicago, and Minneapolis – each ‘change’ providing challenges to Rachel’s own career and eventual motherhood to John III and Jake. ‘Relocating and finding a new church was just one of the patterns of our life together.’ The impact of family (both sets of parents to the couple divorced and remarried, remaining loving and spiritual support) is well established when the dramatic change occurs: John is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) the disease explained sensitively and correctly by the author. The manner in which both John and Rachel cope provides one of the most inspiring renderings of spiritual encouragement. ‘Seek every opportunity to fill your reservoir of faith so it is available for challenging times’ – phrases that grow in significance as the story progresses.
John passes in 2011, and after Rachel deals with that tragedy, and the later trauma of dealing with her eldest son’s depression and addiction challenges, the spiritual quotient of this fine book adds potency to messages of dealing with tragedy. Each chapter is followed by Reflections and words of support: ‘Grief doesn’t go away, it changes. It softens. And faith blunts the sharp edges.’ “My ability to believe kept me confident, living in the present, and hoping for the future.’ ‘With each new thing we heard and learned, my hope was pushed further toward expecting a miracle. God still works miracles, right?’
Reading Rachel’s journaling (and she encourages us all to adopt the act of journaling!) is immensely satisfying and entertaining. As for the title, ‘Red is the color of celebration, fire, and force, and flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire of faith.’ Read and reflect to appreciate a meaningful life. Very highly recommended!
Author Rachel Kerr Schneider places before the public this sensitive, entertaining, compassionate, and yes, humorous memoir andspiritual guide, and in doing so provides support for those encountering tragedy – words and thoughts to cope. The chosen title THE WIDOW CHOSE RED? – is explained well at book’s end, and the subtitle - My Journey with Jesus, John, and ALS - condenses the content.
Reflecting her gifts for coordinating as an account executive for an advertising agency, Rachel describes herself as a Southern “big hair, southern drawl, mounds of makeup” persona from Mississippi and opens with her 1985 arranged meeting in Dallas with John Schneider, a professional and career committed man, having first met his handsome and ebullient brother Ron. In 1987 Rachel and John are married and begin their trek across the states following John’s highly successful career – Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco area, Dallas, Chicago, and Minneapolis – each ‘change’ providing challenges to Rachel’s own career and eventual motherhood to John III and Jake. ‘Relocating and finding a new church was just one of the patterns of our life together.’ The impact of family (both sets of parents to the couple divorced and remarried, remaining loving and spiritual support) is well established when the dramatic change occurs: John is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) the disease explained sensitively and correctly by the author. The manner in which both John and Rachel cope provides one of the most inspiring renderings of spiritual encouragement. ‘Seek every opportunity to fill your reservoir of faith so it is available for challenging times’ – phrases that grow in significance as the story progresses.
John passes in 2011, and after Rachel deals with that tragedy, and the later trauma of dealing with her eldest son’s depression and addiction challenges, the spiritual quotient of this fine book adds potency to messages of dealing with tragedy. Each chapter is followed by Reflections and words of support: ‘Grief doesn’t go away, it changes. It softens. And faith blunts the sharp edges.’ “My ability to believe kept me confident, living in the present, and hoping for the future.’ ‘With each new thing we heard and learned, my hope was pushed further toward expecting a miracle. God still works miracles, right?’
Reading Rachel’s journaling (and she encourages us all to adopt the act of journaling!) is immensely satisfying and entertaining. As for the title, ‘Red is the color of celebration, fire, and force, and flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire of faith.’ Read and reflect to appreciate a meaningful life. Very highly recommended!
May 1, 2025
The Widow Chose Red? is a tear-jerking yet highly inspiring read that I couldn’t put down. Author Rachel Kerr Schneider is an excellent storyteller, and her words evoke intense emotion and humor in a way few others can. Her memoir is a journey through one of the toughest experiences a person can go through: how do you find the strength to continue knowing your partner is dying?
Rachel and her husband John began as a typical young couple, taking on the typical things that young couples do: moving, working, marriage, kids. However, their lives came to a screeching halt as John was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that results in muscle breakdown and, eventually, death. Knowing that John had only a few years to live, Rachel and John took on a variety of treatments, from traditional doctors to holistic approaches, hoping for a miracle. Rachel clings to her faith in the darkest of times, and it ultimately keeps her going after John passes in 2011.
This memoir details the impact that terminal illness has, not only on the individual with the disease but on their family and friends as well, all from the perspective of someone who has had firsthand experience. Rachel’s resilience is an inspiration to women, to widows, to believers and non-believers alike. The titular color of red truly encompasses her message: “Red is a color of celebration, fire, and force. I was celebrating. And I knew John was too. We were celebrating his release from pain, paralysis, and this awful disease that had consumed him. I was celebrating love, the kind that never fades. Red represents the flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire of faith that refuses to be extinguished.”
Rachel is, indeed, the very definition of red: fiery, passionate, and loving. Her reflection on her husband’s tragic passing and everything surrounding it is powerful and is an important message in these trying times. The Widow Chose Red? is a must-read for any adult audience; it’s a lesson in making the most of the time you have, and it serves as a guide through hardship and grief.
Rachel and her husband John began as a typical young couple, taking on the typical things that young couples do: moving, working, marriage, kids. However, their lives came to a screeching halt as John was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that results in muscle breakdown and, eventually, death. Knowing that John had only a few years to live, Rachel and John took on a variety of treatments, from traditional doctors to holistic approaches, hoping for a miracle. Rachel clings to her faith in the darkest of times, and it ultimately keeps her going after John passes in 2011.
This memoir details the impact that terminal illness has, not only on the individual with the disease but on their family and friends as well, all from the perspective of someone who has had firsthand experience. Rachel’s resilience is an inspiration to women, to widows, to believers and non-believers alike. The titular color of red truly encompasses her message: “Red is a color of celebration, fire, and force. I was celebrating. And I knew John was too. We were celebrating his release from pain, paralysis, and this awful disease that had consumed him. I was celebrating love, the kind that never fades. Red represents the flame of the Holy Spirit and the fire of faith that refuses to be extinguished.”
Rachel is, indeed, the very definition of red: fiery, passionate, and loving. Her reflection on her husband’s tragic passing and everything surrounding it is powerful and is an important message in these trying times. The Widow Chose Red? is a must-read for any adult audience; it’s a lesson in making the most of the time you have, and it serves as a guide through hardship and grief.
July 19, 2025
The Widow Chose Red? is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the life of Rachel Kerr Schneider, from her whirlwind romance with John Schneider through decades of marriage, parenting, and professional shifts, culminating in John’s heartbreaking battle with ALS. Told through a lens of faith and fierce devotion, the book walks readers through the joys of new beginnings, the messiness of real relationships, and the crushing weight of terminal illness, all while clinging to the hope and grace found in God.
The writing is conversational, often funny, and incredibly raw. Rachel doesn’t hide behind platitudes. She’s honest when things are hard, she laughs when they’re absurd, and she leans into her faith with a kind of vulnerability that feels both courageous and familiar. The structure, split into sections of life stages, reflects how grief and growth aren’t linear. I loved how she wove in reflections after each major chunk of the story. It gave me space to breathe and think alongside her.
There were times when I felt gutted by the emotional weight of it all. Watching John’s health decline through Rachel’s eyes was both beautiful and brutal. Her love for him doesn’t flinch. It holds steady through every stage of ALS, even when things got messy and uncertain. But this isn’t just a moving book; it’s a book about showing up. It’s about surviving with grace when life doesn’t let you plan ahead. I admired how Rachel let us see the struggle to stay spiritually grounded when everything feels unfair. And somehow, even in the grief, she writes with humor.
The Widow Chose Red? is a love letter to John, to her sons, and to the God who walked through every minute of it with her. If you’ve ever cared for someone who’s sick, if you’ve wondered where God is in your pain, or if you just want to feel less alone in your own tough season, you’ll find something in Rachel’s story. I’d recommend it to caregivers, to women figuring out who they are after loss, and to anyone trying to make peace with the messiness of life. You don’t need to be religious to connect with her heart.
The writing is conversational, often funny, and incredibly raw. Rachel doesn’t hide behind platitudes. She’s honest when things are hard, she laughs when they’re absurd, and she leans into her faith with a kind of vulnerability that feels both courageous and familiar. The structure, split into sections of life stages, reflects how grief and growth aren’t linear. I loved how she wove in reflections after each major chunk of the story. It gave me space to breathe and think alongside her.
There were times when I felt gutted by the emotional weight of it all. Watching John’s health decline through Rachel’s eyes was both beautiful and brutal. Her love for him doesn’t flinch. It holds steady through every stage of ALS, even when things got messy and uncertain. But this isn’t just a moving book; it’s a book about showing up. It’s about surviving with grace when life doesn’t let you plan ahead. I admired how Rachel let us see the struggle to stay spiritually grounded when everything feels unfair. And somehow, even in the grief, she writes with humor.
The Widow Chose Red? is a love letter to John, to her sons, and to the God who walked through every minute of it with her. If you’ve ever cared for someone who’s sick, if you’ve wondered where God is in your pain, or if you just want to feel less alone in your own tough season, you’ll find something in Rachel’s story. I’d recommend it to caregivers, to women figuring out who they are after loss, and to anyone trying to make peace with the messiness of life. You don’t need to be religious to connect with her heart.
April 29, 2025
There is no way to know the path ahead in life and some of us find that out a lot faster than others. Sometimes, you just have to live by faith and hope, which is what Rachel Kerr Schneider teaches in her compelling memoir “The Widow Chose Red? My Journey with Jesus, John and ALS.”
The author opens a window on a life well lived as she tells of her early life and how she met her husband, John, through a chance encounter with his mother on a sales call at a meeting in Texas. She winds her way through their relationship, subsequent marriage and the start of their many moves around the country as John moved up the corporate ladder.
She even details a side story of John’s brother, Ronald, who was gay, and in the ‘80s, that usually meant some encounter with the AIDS virus, and she tells of his sad journey in the book.
As their family grew with two children, and more promotions (and moves) came along for John, life was good, and they enjoyed the fruits of their labor and a close relationship with God and the church. But then came a diagnosis which knocked them completely off-kilter: John was told he had ALS. And thus began years of trying to fight the deadly, horrible disease.
Her compassion as a caregiver comes through in her writing and it is truly impressive. Through her thoughts and actions, she offers many ways to deal with the unthinkable and gain strength along the way, mostly through a strong relationship with her religion. Her description of John’s battle, especially as it neared an end, is heartbreaking but so beautifully crafted it will stay with you and help you in whatever hurdles you face.
Rachel Schneider's searing personal memoir "The Widow Chose Red" is full of life lessons, along with a compelling journey of her husband's battle with ALS and her life beyond it. It combines faith, hope and humor to teach that there is a way to find light amid life's darkest tunnels. Highly recommended.
The author opens a window on a life well lived as she tells of her early life and how she met her husband, John, through a chance encounter with his mother on a sales call at a meeting in Texas. She winds her way through their relationship, subsequent marriage and the start of their many moves around the country as John moved up the corporate ladder.
She even details a side story of John’s brother, Ronald, who was gay, and in the ‘80s, that usually meant some encounter with the AIDS virus, and she tells of his sad journey in the book.
As their family grew with two children, and more promotions (and moves) came along for John, life was good, and they enjoyed the fruits of their labor and a close relationship with God and the church. But then came a diagnosis which knocked them completely off-kilter: John was told he had ALS. And thus began years of trying to fight the deadly, horrible disease.
Her compassion as a caregiver comes through in her writing and it is truly impressive. Through her thoughts and actions, she offers many ways to deal with the unthinkable and gain strength along the way, mostly through a strong relationship with her religion. Her description of John’s battle, especially as it neared an end, is heartbreaking but so beautifully crafted it will stay with you and help you in whatever hurdles you face.
Rachel Schneider's searing personal memoir "The Widow Chose Red" is full of life lessons, along with a compelling journey of her husband's battle with ALS and her life beyond it. It combines faith, hope and humor to teach that there is a way to find light amid life's darkest tunnels. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2025
A Full Real Story of Life, Love, Family, Faith, Fun, Fortitude & Letting Go
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s testimonial, Super-Journal of her life, the latter part centering on her husband’s tragic, drawn out passing from ALS, brings the reader into her busy and successful world before, during and just after it was burned down. Well-known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the diagnosis was a devastating watershed event in the life of a family which the reader gets to know in the organized and concise narrative.
Throughout her Christian Faith carries Rachel forward, even before the most difficult test of it was presented to her and the two teenage sons caught in the cross-hairs of the wreckage. I lost my Mother in a similar fashion at 20, and thus my empathy for those boys knows no bounds. From the outset, the reader basically knows what is going to happen, which makes the wisdom of her religious beliefs peppered throughout building blocks for her soul in preparation.
Little sayings I took note of were: ‘What we think we know, and what we have been taught, isn’t always the full picture.’ Or how for the Road to Jesus ‘Narrowed with time as distractions fade, noise quiets and the heart focuses on one thing.’ Or that the realization came that Rachel had become a ‘Prisoner of hope, making it hard to believe miracles still happen.’
Rachel found the act of a writing helpful to keep her mind and soul from getting backed up, and so one discovers those verbatim journal entries throughout the book. Then you have the supporting cast of extended family, friends, co-workers, doctors and caregivers, but in the end it is always down to the single person—in the aftermath of tragedy we all wake up alone, living inside our own head by keeping the faith while moving forward despite hardships and setbacks. Rachel’s example of that is inspiration enough!
Brad Butler, Author of ‘Without Redemption.’
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s testimonial, Super-Journal of her life, the latter part centering on her husband’s tragic, drawn out passing from ALS, brings the reader into her busy and successful world before, during and just after it was burned down. Well-known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the diagnosis was a devastating watershed event in the life of a family which the reader gets to know in the organized and concise narrative.
Throughout her Christian Faith carries Rachel forward, even before the most difficult test of it was presented to her and the two teenage sons caught in the cross-hairs of the wreckage. I lost my Mother in a similar fashion at 20, and thus my empathy for those boys knows no bounds. From the outset, the reader basically knows what is going to happen, which makes the wisdom of her religious beliefs peppered throughout building blocks for her soul in preparation.
Little sayings I took note of were: ‘What we think we know, and what we have been taught, isn’t always the full picture.’ Or how for the Road to Jesus ‘Narrowed with time as distractions fade, noise quiets and the heart focuses on one thing.’ Or that the realization came that Rachel had become a ‘Prisoner of hope, making it hard to believe miracles still happen.’
Rachel found the act of a writing helpful to keep her mind and soul from getting backed up, and so one discovers those verbatim journal entries throughout the book. Then you have the supporting cast of extended family, friends, co-workers, doctors and caregivers, but in the end it is always down to the single person—in the aftermath of tragedy we all wake up alone, living inside our own head by keeping the faith while moving forward despite hardships and setbacks. Rachel’s example of that is inspiration enough!
Brad Butler, Author of ‘Without Redemption.’
May 1, 2025
Rachel’s memoir is the first of a trilogy detailing difficult times in her family that tested her and her faith. This first book in the series focuses on her husband John: their life together and his diagnosis and eventual death from ALS (Lou Gehring’s disease).
After getting setup by one of her clients, Elaine, to meet her son, John, at a party, Rachel accepts an invitation for a date. After a tepid first date, it doesn’t seem like Rachel and John’s relationship will go anywhere. However, they decide to continue meeting and dating and their eventual marriage comes as no surprise. John is ambitious in his career and his job moves them often around the United States, before finally settling in Minneapolis. Rachel is just as ambitious and seeks to carve out a life and career for herself as well. However, it is when the boys are born that a central pillar of their lives, faith, only strengthens and becomes even more important in their family. Faith will become critical when John is diagnosed with ALS in his late 40s. Turning to her faith and her family and friends during this time, Rachel will be tested like never before.
Rachel’s title is an incredibly personal story that does not shy away from the hard parts of her faith or her life. It is a tale of a person whose faith is tested and yet they still choose to believe in and walk that path. It is a testament to what faith can be and how faith can work and will especially resonate with religious readers. But all readers, regardless of religious orientation, will enjoy this heartfelt story about love, resilience, faith and life.
After getting setup by one of her clients, Elaine, to meet her son, John, at a party, Rachel accepts an invitation for a date. After a tepid first date, it doesn’t seem like Rachel and John’s relationship will go anywhere. However, they decide to continue meeting and dating and their eventual marriage comes as no surprise. John is ambitious in his career and his job moves them often around the United States, before finally settling in Minneapolis. Rachel is just as ambitious and seeks to carve out a life and career for herself as well. However, it is when the boys are born that a central pillar of their lives, faith, only strengthens and becomes even more important in their family. Faith will become critical when John is diagnosed with ALS in his late 40s. Turning to her faith and her family and friends during this time, Rachel will be tested like never before.
Rachel’s title is an incredibly personal story that does not shy away from the hard parts of her faith or her life. It is a tale of a person whose faith is tested and yet they still choose to believe in and walk that path. It is a testament to what faith can be and how faith can work and will especially resonate with religious readers. But all readers, regardless of religious orientation, will enjoy this heartfelt story about love, resilience, faith and life.
April 30, 2025
“The Widow Chose Red” by Rachel Kerr Schneider is a beautifully written, deeply moving memoir that redefines how we view grief, loss, and faith. After the devastating loss of her husband, Rachel faced the expectations of a world that often sees mourning as something quiet, hidden, and clothed in black. Instead, she chose red—a bold, vibrant declaration that love, faith, and life do not end with loss.
Rachel’s decision to wear red was not an act of denial but a profound expression of enduring love and unwavering faith. In doing so, she invites readers into an intimate and courageous journey, where grief is not muted, but alive with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Her writing is honest and vulnerable, capturing the raw ache of loss while illuminating the quiet, persistent hope that faith can nurture even in the darkest seasons.
This memoir is not simply about heartbreak—it is about resilience. Rachel shows that healing does not mean forgetting or moving on; it means learning to carry love forward, allowing it to transform grief into something fierce and beautiful. Through her story, she reminds us that the Holy Spirit's fire never extinguishes, even when life feels at its coldest.
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s quiet strength, so evident throughout her story, is inspiring. Her journey offers hope to anyone who has ever wondered whether joy is still possible after loss. “The Widow Chose Red” is a testament to the truth that even amid sorrow, the spirit of life and love continues to burn brightly.
Rachel’s decision to wear red was not an act of denial but a profound expression of enduring love and unwavering faith. In doing so, she invites readers into an intimate and courageous journey, where grief is not muted, but alive with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Her writing is honest and vulnerable, capturing the raw ache of loss while illuminating the quiet, persistent hope that faith can nurture even in the darkest seasons.
This memoir is not simply about heartbreak—it is about resilience. Rachel shows that healing does not mean forgetting or moving on; it means learning to carry love forward, allowing it to transform grief into something fierce and beautiful. Through her story, she reminds us that the Holy Spirit's fire never extinguishes, even when life feels at its coldest.
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s quiet strength, so evident throughout her story, is inspiring. Her journey offers hope to anyone who has ever wondered whether joy is still possible after loss. “The Widow Chose Red” is a testament to the truth that even amid sorrow, the spirit of life and love continues to burn brightly.
July 14, 2025
A Spiritual & Secular Guidebook for Life, One Laced with Joy & Sadness
This book is full of life lessons. To illustrate this, I will use parts of the Foreword to Rachel Kerr Schneider’s autobiography, ‘The Widow Chose Red: My Journey with Jesus, John & ALS.’
The Foreword was written by bestselling author Patty Aubrey:
“This book is more than a story about loss, it’s about love, faith and resilience. Rachel doesn’t shy away from hard parts. She lets you into her moments of fear, sadness, and uncertainty—but what makes her story so powerful is how she responded. Even when the future felt unclear, she leaned on her faith and found strength she didn’t know she had.
“What strikes me most about Rachel’s story is how she gracefully handled it all. She didn’t try to be perfect or pretend to have all the answers—she simply trusted that God would carry her through. And He did. The moment when John asked, “We don’t have a choice, do we?” could have been a breaking point. But Rachel met it with courage, love, and a quiet strength that defines who she is.
“And here’s the thing—Rachel didn’t just show grace during that season of loss. She continues to live with that same grace today. She’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always look like having it all together. Sometimes it’s just about showing up, trusting the process, and knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it yet.”
Rachel Kerr Schneider is a woman to be admired, and the previous three paragraphs show that this is an important book.
This book is full of life lessons. To illustrate this, I will use parts of the Foreword to Rachel Kerr Schneider’s autobiography, ‘The Widow Chose Red: My Journey with Jesus, John & ALS.’
The Foreword was written by bestselling author Patty Aubrey:
“This book is more than a story about loss, it’s about love, faith and resilience. Rachel doesn’t shy away from hard parts. She lets you into her moments of fear, sadness, and uncertainty—but what makes her story so powerful is how she responded. Even when the future felt unclear, she leaned on her faith and found strength she didn’t know she had.
“What strikes me most about Rachel’s story is how she gracefully handled it all. She didn’t try to be perfect or pretend to have all the answers—she simply trusted that God would carry her through. And He did. The moment when John asked, “We don’t have a choice, do we?” could have been a breaking point. But Rachel met it with courage, love, and a quiet strength that defines who she is.
“And here’s the thing—Rachel didn’t just show grace during that season of loss. She continues to live with that same grace today. She’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always look like having it all together. Sometimes it’s just about showing up, trusting the process, and knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it yet.”
Rachel Kerr Schneider is a woman to be admired, and the previous three paragraphs show that this is an important book.
May 8, 2025
The Widow Chose Red? Is primarily about how the author, Rachel Kerr Schneider, dealt with the diagnosis, subsequent treatments, and, ultimately, the passing of her husband from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). We do get a lot about their lives together prior to the diagnosis. But the book mostly discusses the disease and how her religious faith, along with family and friends, helped her deal with the process.
It turned out that right around the same time Rachel and John learned that John had ALS, they also found out that John had lost his job. Here’s how Rachel described that time in their lives: “The ALS diagnosis was like getting run over by a truck. Losing his job was like having the truck back up and run over us again.” I think we get the picture!
Toward the end of the book, Rachel gives us a look at what it’s like during the end stages. Many of us have experienced a similar situation with a loved one. I think you will find yourself nodding your head when you read what Rachel has to say about that. And we will all appreciate her advice on caretaking. It’s not an easy assignment! Most importantly, Rachel reminds us that we should always embrace gratitude. It doesn’t matter if you ascribe it to a specific religion or just recognize its importance in your own way. Gratitude can get us through very difficult situations.
Why did The Widow Choose Red? Pick up a copy to find out the answer. You will be glad you did.
It turned out that right around the same time Rachel and John learned that John had ALS, they also found out that John had lost his job. Here’s how Rachel described that time in their lives: “The ALS diagnosis was like getting run over by a truck. Losing his job was like having the truck back up and run over us again.” I think we get the picture!
Toward the end of the book, Rachel gives us a look at what it’s like during the end stages. Many of us have experienced a similar situation with a loved one. I think you will find yourself nodding your head when you read what Rachel has to say about that. And we will all appreciate her advice on caretaking. It’s not an easy assignment! Most importantly, Rachel reminds us that we should always embrace gratitude. It doesn’t matter if you ascribe it to a specific religion or just recognize its importance in your own way. Gratitude can get us through very difficult situations.
Why did The Widow Choose Red? Pick up a copy to find out the answer. You will be glad you did.
July 5, 2025
Strength in Adversity Comes from Within & Above
We race forward in our lives praying for the best, not knowing what is around the next corner as events beyond our control bounce us around the ring of life. And when we think back, sometimes the little things that mean the most—a juicy steak, a cold glass of iced tea, a quiet afternoon with those we love.
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s book, ‘The Widow Chose Red? My Journey with Jesus, John and ALS,’ brings the reader into her life with little held back. Organized and clear in purpose, knowing what happens to her husband does not make it any easier to move through the story, and yet a higher purpose, something else working in the background, is ever present as it had been throughout her whole life—Faith in the Lord.
Sections containing her diary entries, saved from over the years, are instructive and keep the context of all of their years together in tact. Family tragedies, especially long drawn out ones involving an incapacitating illness, test the mettle of everyone involved, especially those closest. Rachael’s two teenage sons experienced something no young offspring should be subjected to, but holding on to Faith helped them along the difficult path.
Enlightening and sad, a mix of everything rolled up family biography with so much to offer.
We race forward in our lives praying for the best, not knowing what is around the next corner as events beyond our control bounce us around the ring of life. And when we think back, sometimes the little things that mean the most—a juicy steak, a cold glass of iced tea, a quiet afternoon with those we love.
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s book, ‘The Widow Chose Red? My Journey with Jesus, John and ALS,’ brings the reader into her life with little held back. Organized and clear in purpose, knowing what happens to her husband does not make it any easier to move through the story, and yet a higher purpose, something else working in the background, is ever present as it had been throughout her whole life—Faith in the Lord.
Sections containing her diary entries, saved from over the years, are instructive and keep the context of all of their years together in tact. Family tragedies, especially long drawn out ones involving an incapacitating illness, test the mettle of everyone involved, especially those closest. Rachael’s two teenage sons experienced something no young offspring should be subjected to, but holding on to Faith helped them along the difficult path.
Enlightening and sad, a mix of everything rolled up family biography with so much to offer.
July 10, 2025
A Family Story Thru Thick & Thin, One That Puts So Much in Perspective
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s life was one of progress, productivity and success. With her husband, John, she experienced all the joys, pitfalls and heartache which came with an upscale life which forced them to relocated fairly often. They started a family and assimilated into many different communities, while never losing sight of what was most important—their Faith in God.
Then the unthinkable happened, just as the book title indicates, her husband was struck with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and their whole world changed, not right away, but over a period of years.
‘The Widow Chose Red?: My Journey with Jesus, John and ALS’ explores her whole life, but what must be remembered is that her life, with family and in God, gave Rachel the perspective, fortitude and strength to provide what her husband and two teenage boys required during those heartrending years.
We cannot know how strong or weak we are until faced with dire circumstances, that is the paradox of humanity. Which one of us will thrive or fold up in crisis is an unknown until the moment comes, and when Rachel’s time to be strong arrived, she was up for the task. Within the pages of this book are lessons for everyone, I commend Rachel for laying her life out there for others to learn and benefit from. Bravo, Good on You!!!
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s life was one of progress, productivity and success. With her husband, John, she experienced all the joys, pitfalls and heartache which came with an upscale life which forced them to relocated fairly often. They started a family and assimilated into many different communities, while never losing sight of what was most important—their Faith in God.
Then the unthinkable happened, just as the book title indicates, her husband was struck with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and their whole world changed, not right away, but over a period of years.
‘The Widow Chose Red?: My Journey with Jesus, John and ALS’ explores her whole life, but what must be remembered is that her life, with family and in God, gave Rachel the perspective, fortitude and strength to provide what her husband and two teenage boys required during those heartrending years.
We cannot know how strong or weak we are until faced with dire circumstances, that is the paradox of humanity. Which one of us will thrive or fold up in crisis is an unknown until the moment comes, and when Rachel’s time to be strong arrived, she was up for the task. Within the pages of this book are lessons for everyone, I commend Rachel for laying her life out there for others to learn and benefit from. Bravo, Good on You!!!
April 28, 2025
Embracing Resilience: Love, Loss, and the Strength to Carry On
"The Widow Chose Red?" is a deeply moving and inspirational memoir that will resonate with anyone who has faced the loss of a loved one. Rachel Kerr Schneider's writing is raw and honest, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a terminally ill spouse. Her unwavering faith and resilience shine through every page, offering hope and encouragement to readers who may be going through similar experiences.
One of the book's strengths is its focus on the practical aspects of caregiving, providing valuable insights and advice for those in similar situations. Rachel's detailed accounts of navigating the healthcare system, managing daily tasks, and finding moments of joy amidst the sorrow are both informative and heartwarming.
This memoir is particularly useful for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone dealing with grief and loss. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and self-care. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of love and resilience, making "The Widow Chose Red?" a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and comfort in difficult times.
"The Widow Chose Red?" is a deeply moving and inspirational memoir that will resonate with anyone who has faced the loss of a loved one. Rachel Kerr Schneider's writing is raw and honest, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a terminally ill spouse. Her unwavering faith and resilience shine through every page, offering hope and encouragement to readers who may be going through similar experiences.
One of the book's strengths is its focus on the practical aspects of caregiving, providing valuable insights and advice for those in similar situations. Rachel's detailed accounts of navigating the healthcare system, managing daily tasks, and finding moments of joy amidst the sorrow are both informative and heartwarming.
This memoir is particularly useful for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone dealing with grief and loss. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and self-care. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of love and resilience, making "The Widow Chose Red?" a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and comfort in difficult times.
May 5, 2025
This book had a profound effect on me. Deep pain and bright hope were mixed together in my mind as I read it. I smiled, I sobbed, and most importantly, I felt encouraged. The way Rachel shares her tale is heartbreakingly honest, without resorting to needless drama or minimizing the pain.
Her decision to wear red for her husband's funeral struck me as such a brave and meaningful gesture… I understood it wasn't rebellion but a vibrant tribute to a love that not even death could extinguish.
I recommended this book to my coworker, who lost her husband a few months ago. I felt that, beyond words, I could offer her real comfort, a hug in the form of pages. And I recommend it to anyone going through a loss.
Her decision to wear red for her husband's funeral struck me as such a brave and meaningful gesture… I understood it wasn't rebellion but a vibrant tribute to a love that not even death could extinguish.
I recommended this book to my coworker, who lost her husband a few months ago. I felt that, beyond words, I could offer her real comfort, a hug in the form of pages. And I recommend it to anyone going through a loss.
May 1, 2025
The author of this book had to deal with unimaginable heartbreak after the loss of her husband. The loss of a spouse is never easy, but when two people love each other so fervently, it can be exceedingly difficult to come back from the heartache involved. However, the author decided to continue living her life to the utmost instead of spiraling down a black hole of despair.
This is what she means when she says that she chose red instead of black, as red is the color of passion. Red symbolizes still being vibrant and alive. This tale should be inspiring for anyone who has suffered a loss. It’s about resilience, dignity, and faith.
This is what she means when she says that she chose red instead of black, as red is the color of passion. Red symbolizes still being vibrant and alive. This tale should be inspiring for anyone who has suffered a loss. It’s about resilience, dignity, and faith.
May 2, 2025
This book touched me in a deep way, this is not just a book about loss, it’s about strength, faith, and choosing to live even when life betrays you. Rachel’s voice felt so honest, I felt like she was sharing her story with me on each page in an intimate way.
What I admired most was how she chose color, joy, and love even after what she suffered. The way she talks about red, and what it means to her, made me reflect and have a new perspective about the little choices we make every day to move forward. This book reminded me that faith isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up.
What I admired most was how she chose color, joy, and love even after what she suffered. The way she talks about red, and what it means to her, made me reflect and have a new perspective about the little choices we make every day to move forward. This book reminded me that faith isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up.
May 3, 2025
A Faith-Filled Journey...
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s The Widow Chose Red? is a vibrant memoir of love, loss, and faith. Facing her husband’s death, Schneider dons red, a bold symbol of the Holy Spirit’s enduring fire. Her prose, blending raw emotion with spiritual depth, dances between concise, piercing sentences and reflective passages. This seamless narrative of resilience offers hope to those in grief, proving joy can shine through sorrow. A compelling, heartfelt read. Highly recommended.
Rachel Kerr Schneider’s The Widow Chose Red? is a vibrant memoir of love, loss, and faith. Facing her husband’s death, Schneider dons red, a bold symbol of the Holy Spirit’s enduring fire. Her prose, blending raw emotion with spiritual depth, dances between concise, piercing sentences and reflective passages. This seamless narrative of resilience offers hope to those in grief, proving joy can shine through sorrow. A compelling, heartfelt read. Highly recommended.
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