“You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living…” ~ Zach Sobiech

There are a probably as many ways to say goodbye as there are people actually bidding those farewells. It's an experience that is as universal as death. Death... the ultimate goodbye.

Fly a Little Higher, by Laura Sobiech chronicles the story of her son, Zach, and their family, after receiving the news that Zach has osteosarcoma. At first, hopes are high that Zach, with the help of his doctors and the support of his family and friends, will beat the disease. Cure rates tend to hover around 70%. But when the disease came back, first attacking his lungs and then spreading from his hip (the original site) to his pelvis, Zach and his family confronted the reality that in the remaining six to 12 months God had gifted them, they needed to live in the moment, for the moment, intentionally, doing things that really counted... particularly investing in people by using the talents God had given them to bring hope, courage and healing to others. And according to his mother, Zach really is the one who leads this crusade.

He is challenged by his mother to write letters, saying goodbye to those who love him... to those who he loved. Only instead of letters, Zach wrote songs. That's why our family knows about him. My kids and teens are among the millions who've listened to his most well-known song, Clouds. My children weren't saying goodbye to a dying friend - but when this song began making internet waves, it certainly spoke to their hearts as they were saying many permanent goodbyes to friends and precious people from our 15 years in W. Africa.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading with laughter and through tears. Zach's girlfriend, Amy, intrigued me. She seemed to be a wonderful young woman who loved Zach with her whole heart, as painful and costly as it was. I hope and pray my own girls would demonstrate this same sort of faithful friendship, love and strength.

Zach's raw lyrics that capture the frustration, fear and and sad brokenness that overwhelms after receiving a terminal diagnosis; yet there's still a tender hopeful quality, a confidence of more to come exuding from the music itself that leaves the listener looking up and forward. 

Well I fell down, down, down

Into this dark and lonely hole

There was no one there to care about me anymore

And I needed a way to climb and grab a hold of the edge

You were sitting there holding a rope.

And we'll go up, up, up

But I'll fly a little higher

We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer

Up here my dear

It won't be long now, it won't be long now.

When I get back on land

Well I'll never get my chance

Be ready to live and it'll be ripped right out of my hands

Maybe someday we'll take a little ride

We'll go up, up, up and everything will be just fine.

And we'll go up, up, up

But I'll fly a little higher

We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer

Up here my dear.

It won't be long now, it won't be long now

If only I had a little bit more time

If only I had a little bit more time with you.

We could go up, up, up

And take that little ride

And sit there holding hands

And everything would be just right

And maybe someday I'll see you again

We'll float up in the clouds and we'll never see the end.

And we'll go up, up, up

But I'll fly a little higher

We'll go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer

Up here my dear

It won't be long now, it won't be long now.

The song is certainly a beautiful legacy. 

The greater legacy, what is more remarkable, is how by dying well, Zach not only encouraged but taught so many to live today well.

This review was published as a part of Book Look Bloggers Review program. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my own.