Book Review: Ron’s Story

Reviewed by: Dusty Lavorn, Amelia Center Intern

Throughout life we are all forced to face events in which we struggle to find meaning in. There are many times in an individual’s life where he or she questions “why me” or “why my family.” Generally it is very hard to provide answers to these questions and the reality is many times these questions may never be answered. We are then forced to make the decision of how to move forward in the journey that is life without knowing the answers to the many questions we may have.
Ron’s Story: A Legacy of Love is a true life example of the old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. The book was published in 1978 and the cover appears to be very out of date, however the content of the book is timeless. This story covers one family’s life, love, and struggles together. The Butler family is faced with all the many “why” questions when their sixteen-year-old son Ron was diagnosed with a very rare and terminal cancer. This book is the documentation of a real family’s struggle with cancer and ultimately the untimely death of a very special member of their family.

Throughout the story the family is faced with many highs, lows, good days, and bad days and they have to learn as they go how to deal with various situations that arise. The reader comes to know and care about Ron and his family by reading this story and may even learn something from Ron, who was wise beyond his years. After Ron’s struggle with cancer is finished, his family is then faced with living life without him. A new journey begins for Ron’s family as they search for answers to the many questions they have and try to move forward in their lives. The family is given a little comfort as they encounter different people who were inspired by Ron and the way he lived his life. With time, and a little help from small child Ron’s mother is able to begin to find happiness in her life again.

This book is beneficial for any parent who has lost a child, but especially for a parent whose child had a long-term illness prior to the death. However, this book is not as uplifting as it is connecting. It really serves to connect individuals who have experienced similar situations surrounding the death of a child. It helps individuals to know that they are not alone in their suffering and gives hope that they too can survive one of the most tragic experiences a parent can have.