Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living with Joy

Susan Spencer-Wendel · Bret Witter

Mar 2014 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

Moving and inspirational reflections on life from one woman, diagnosed with ALS, making the most of her final days with family and friends.

In June 2011, award–winning journalist Susan Spencer-Wendel was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a disease that systematically destroys nerves that power muscles. Forty-five years old and a mother of three, Susan walks with braces and is losing her ability to speak. Unable to stop the rapid decline of her body, she refuses to let her life stop before its time. Since her diagnosis, Susan makes sure every day counts, is more present than ever in her daily life, and ready to share her strength, determination, and spirit.

Until I Say Goodbye is a truly magical story and so much more than one woman’s “bucket list.” It’s a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us.

“Touching and brutally honest.” —USA Today



“Susan Spencer-Wendel had to face the question, ‘What would you do if you had a year to live?’ This profound, tender, and often funny account of her experiences will remind readers of what really matters most: love.” —New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin

“This heartbreaking and heartwarming good-bye will make you laugh as much as it makes you cry. Susan Spencer-Wendel’s determination to find the joy in life after having been dealt the ALS card is both inspirational and enlightening.” —New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts

Ratings and reviews

This book will (rightfully so) slap you in the face if you have happened to lose perspective in your life. We all manage to take issue with the most trivial of matyers. "Until I Say Good-Bye" reminded me that no matter what occurs, there's always a silver lining to be found. Always a spark of hope if your willing to recognize and accept life for what it is. A gift!

Susan's story is so full of love and grace. I wish everyone the gift of dying with dignity & the ability to truly live their last moments of life. Her sharing inspires me to look into trying out volunteering for hospice.

It makes u wanna write ur love ones letters be4 we leave this world.