What people are saying about It Doesn’t End Here: An Amazing Journey of Faith and Forgiveness

It Doesn’t End Here is an amazing story of faith, mercy, perseverance and prayer in the midst of an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy. From the depths of a heart torn open by grief, and from a soul-searching for the purpose and meaning of God’s will in the midst of intense suffering, Dawn Marie Roeder shares her remarkable faith journey following the death of her son, Nathaniel. In fact, It Doesn’t End Here is as much a tribute to the life and memory of Nathaniel as it is about seeking justice from those indirectly responsible for his death.  read more

Deacon Harold Burkes, the Deacon's Heart Blog

Sooner or later we all arrive at a moment in our lives that seems all too big for us. How will you deal with yours? It Doesn't End Here will prepare you for that moment when it comes. This is a message of incredible light in the midst of all consuming darkness.

Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Rhythm of Life and The Dream Manager

Struggling to find meaning out of the unimaginable circumstances that lead to her son’s tragic death, Dawn Marie strove daily to put back together the shattered remains of her life one second at a time. Six months into the journey of her great torment Dawn’s mother hands her a newspaper article which lead to a discovery that would dramatically alter her life and the lives of many others.

In this true story of pain and sorrow is found an amazing love of a mother for her son and an enduring faith in an ever present loving God.

 Fr. Donald Calloway, Author of No Turning Back: A Witness To Mercy

A heart wrenching story of a mother's transcendent love for her young son, and the faith which enabled her to survive his tragic death. There is a lot to be learned from this moving narrative: about spiritual warfare, about the callousness of the pharmaceutical industry and its legal apparatus, about the role of faith and prayer in sustaining our lives, and most of all about how the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the suffering she endured at the foot of the Cross, makes it possible for us, too, to bear our crosses.

Roy Schoeman, best selling author Salvation Is From The Jews  and Honey From The Rock 

This book is an amazing tale of faith, persistence, and love. The unimaginable events that led to her son Nathaniel's death could have broken her. Instead, Dawn Marie Roeder embarked on a journey to help others avoid tragedy by warning them of the unusual side effects of her ADHD medication. She persisted for years, showing incredible strength in fighting the big-moneyed pharmaceutical company. When tragedy strikes an individual's life, and there is none worse than the loss of a child, there is a choice to be made - to go on or to succumb to depression. Dawn Marie's story is a testimony to resilience.

Ellen M. Diana, Ph.D. Psychologist and Author of Charge Up Your Life: Conquer the 6 Barriers to Love, Happiness and Success

Dawn Marie Roeder's personal story takes us on an reflective journey of the painful and tragic loss of her son in a car accident after she suffered an adverse reaction to a prescription drug; then through the ensuing and brutal assassination of her character in court by the legal counsel of the pharmaceutical company she held accountable.

Roeder's survival of these events--let alone her miraculous recovery and attitude--is a testimony of her devotion to her Catholic faith and the God she serves. Her victory resonates with the Holy Spirit and gives us comfort and hope that our own seemingly senseless tragedies can also be transformed with God's love and forgiveness.

Gwen Olsen, Author of Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher: God's Call to Loving Arms 

I know on a personal level the depth of Dawn Marie’s loss, having unexpectedly lost my own precious 21-year old son a year ago. Her unwavering faith and strength through her long ordeal has been a  real inspiration to me. My heart goes out to her as a mom who understands what she has both lost and gained by the stand she’s taken so others can be spared the heartbreak she and her family have suffered.

It Doesn’t End Here is a “must read” for anyone who is struggling with loss, especially that of a child. Dawn Marie’s honesty and courage will move, inspire and uplift you, as it did me.

April Rovero, Founder/President, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, www.NCAPDA.org

From the perspective of a spiritual father, Dawn Marie’s story brings me great joy.  She has found the path to holiness: the way of the Cross.  The Lord has opened her eyes to the mystery of his great love.   

As you journey through her story, keep an open mind and an open heart.  Invite the Lord into your life and ask him to show you your life through the lens of the Paschal Mystery.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.  What you will discover is the incredible truth that has led Dawn Marie to title her book, “It Doesn’t End Here!"

Reverend William D. Schmid, M.A.

In the aftermath of her suffering, Dawn Marie had the wisdom and grace to note that “It Doesn’t End Here.”  Her story triumphantly proclaims that, in spite of appearances, defeat and death will not have the final voice over love and forgiveness.  It Doesn’t End Here is an outpouring of Dawn’s heart, the raw anguish of a mother seeking meaning and purpose in profound suffering.

Mary E. Peterson, Maggie’s Place, Co-Founder & Executive Director

Author Dawn Marie Roeder addresses a tough subject in her new book, It Doesn’t End Here. This is a beautiful book for anyone who has lost a child, either through abortion, natural causes or unfortunate circumstances.

Dawn addresses subjects such as faith, forgiveness and hope. Dawn lost her little boy Nathaniel in a series of events that would change her life forever. She draws upon trauma in her life including a past abortion to paint a beautiful picture of how one can overcome deep tragedy with faith and hope in the Lord. Dawn adds a very personal touch to the book including journal entries that really pull the reader in.

We recommend this book to anyone who has gone through trauma in their life, especially trauma involving the loss of a child. It Doesn’t End Here will deepen your faith and give you hope.

http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/resources/vine-branches.htm     March 2010 Issue

A testimony of how faith can survive the most extreme and tragic circumstances.

Michael H. Brown, best selling author  The God of Miracles and Tower of Light

Dawn Marie demonstrated tremendous strength of character to write her memoir, "It Doesn't End Here." It relives a heartbreaking event with such honesty and clarity about the lessons she learned. Dawn Marie's words uplift and inspire others to overcome grief and to forgive--just as she did.

Andrea Markowitz, Ph.D, Editor, at Write For Your Business

Dawn's narrative is at the same time both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It is a beautiful illustration of the difference a close and powerful relationship with God can make in a person's life in times of tragedy. Many people would have understandably given up and become too depressed to advance, numerous times along the way, during a journey like the one Dawn has made in her life. The fact that she did everything in her power and stood strong in the face of opposition, to help others avoid the tragedy she has suffered, attests to the fact that she selflessly chose to put her faith in God and submit to His will, rather than give in to despair, as most of us would have done. And in return, he has blessed her with a peace and joyful strength that radiates from deep within her, and that she has now been able to share with others.

This book is for those who are enduring seemingly inexplicable suffering, as well as those whose faith in God is experiencing a shake-up. Dawn's testimony will undoubtedly move and inspire everyone who is blessed to read it.

Lisa Sommers, -  Wisconsin, Testimonial

I was deeply touched by Dawn's journey of pain, courage, forgiveness and acceptance of God's will in her life. As a mother of four young children, I felt the pain of the loss of her son and I admire how Dawn was able to cope with her grief by seeking God's mercy and love. As a school counselor with students who suffer with ADHD, I was able to relate to the side effects that Dawn experienced as a result of the medication that caused her to hallucinate. It has made me more aware of the importance of monitoring these drugs especially in young children. After reading "It Doesn't End Here" I feel more empathetic to these children who complain of similar side effects as Dawn describes in her book. Most of all, I admire Dawn's courage to fight for what is right and just, not only for her son, herself, but also for every person who suffers with a disability.  Keep fighting the good fight!!!

Cristy Eckelkamp, - School Counselor

Parenthood makes us vulnerable because when our child is born, we know that we will never be the same and we will do anything to keep him safe. When something happens to him, no matter what the circumstances, it is our worst nightmare. "It Doesn't End Here" is such an account. It is the story of the author's tragic loss of a precious child and the courageous decision to sue those responsible for her son's death. Beautifully written, it is a heart-wrenching story of trust, hope and forgiveness. It is also the story of profound spiritual growth.

The book describes the events surrounding the death of her beloved two-year-old son, Nathaniel, and the ensuing trial. It includes many relevant quotes from Scripture, saints and others. There are poignant photos of the author and her son at varying stages of his short life.

This week we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Dawn Marie Roeder has found strength from Our Lady's journey, so she uses one of the Seven Sorrows of Mary to introduce each chapter, then she tells part of her story, and finishes each chapter with a fond memory of her late son, Nathaniel. Although Catholic teaching is included, this book is for everyone who has lost a child and has struggled to come to terms with it.

This may be a challenging story to read, but a necessary one. It shows that there is always light amidst the darkness. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Ellen Gable Hrkach, author, Emily's Hope, In Name Only

This book is a powerful "expose" of what the prescription drug industry and its lawyers will do to "win" (without caring who gets hurt) and a beautiful story about what the real "contest" and true "prize" are. Dawn's story of the drawn-out, dirty litigation to which she submitted, is interspersed with tender stories about her son, Nathaniel, who died in a car accident that resulted from psychosis induced by drugs prescribed to treat Dawn's ADD.

But the book is also a story about how one woman's faith, in the ultimate victory won by the self-sacrificial love of God's Son, enabled her to sacrifice her own privacy and risk her reputation in order to help bring attention to the potential dangers of such drugs, and to the failure of the drug companies and our government bodies/agencies to inform and protect those who could be harmed. Of course ultimately Dawn's story is not just about the prescription drug industry and its guardians, and not just about one woman's loss and the faith (hers and that of those who supported her) that sustained, and sustains, her. It's about the freedom that such faith gives us to pursue the truth and to persevere no matter how things look on the surface, because we know "it doesn't end here." As Dawn writes near the end of her story, "Let us open our hearts, because it is only through the big and little deaths of our lives we are brought to the Resurrection." Amen!

Alice Rowan, Pennsylvania, Testimonial

What a simply elegant and beautiful book, so heartfelt and honest.  I cried through most of the book.  Your journey was daunting and not many would be willing to take it.  Thank you for doing so and for writing your book with eloquence and truth.

Linda Browne  Scottsdale, AZ Testimonial

Very inspiring...a testimony of true courage and being led by the hand of God.

Denise Haas Stauffer,  St. Louis, MO  Testimonial

I just finished reading your book! Your faith in our Lord is truly an inspiration to all! I especially loved the miracle of the flickering lights at mass. Thank you for sharing your message of love, faith and forgiveness! And Thank you for the reminder that "It Doesn't End Here!!

Lynn Coomer -  Chandler, AZ  Testimonial

I read your book - I couldn't put it down!!!!

Melissa Reilly Dengeles,  New York,  Testimonial

Your story has helped a friend of mine. Her son is in hospice. She is reading my copy of It Doesn't End Here and her faith has grown. It has gone from despair to hope in Jesus and his Mother. Thank you!

Michael Ruffino - Pleasant Hill, CA Testimonial

A must read for anyone who has ever struggled through times of hopelessness wondering if God's hand was truly big enough to carry them safely through the storms of life.

Kristin Providenti - Phoenix, AZ  Testimonial