Heaven Is Waiting
There’s No Place Like Home

Dear Wayne, I received your book today. Thank you is not enough! I cannot wait for the evening to come, so I can start reading! Your books comfort me so much knowing there is something better waiting for us on the other side. Many blessings, love always. —Ranae

Thank you for the wonderful book. You are quite a writer, and there is no message more important than the one that you share with such eloquence! —Patrick

Bless you Kevin and Wayne. You meant something to Wilkes County. We love you. —Brenda

Wayne, I read some of the comments on your webpage; they brought back memories to the surface that are always there. Writing a book scares me, but I keep feeling like God is pushing me to do it. One day I'm going to take that first step to try my hand at writing a book about Faith and how the grief never goes away. We just have to turn to God and listen to Him. We are in the process of getting a foundation started called “Faith Can Move Mountains,” a Memorial Foundation for Faith Amber Brown. If I’m able to write this book, it will help with the funds to be added to the foundation. —Linda

Wayne, sorry that it has taken me so long to say "thank you.” I received your book and started reading it immediately. I haven't finished it yet. I have three books going at the same time: yours, Nearing Home by Billy Graham, and I Never Thought I Would See The Day by David Jeremiah. This is some of the best reading I have done in a long time. Thank you again and God bless. —Jim

Thank you Wayne for all you do to help spread the awareness of cancer. I am excited and cannot wait to read your third book. It may answer some of my questions. God Bless —Ranae

Dear Wayne, Thank you so much for the copy of your new book, Heaven Is Waiting. I have already skimmed through the whole thing and look forward to one day really sinking my teeth into it. I am so impressed by your scholarly writing, perseverance, faith, and generosity. I know Kevin would be pleased. I’m sorry I missed you last Friday when you were here. But please know you are frequently in my thoughts and occasionally in my prayers. In Christ, —Tom

Wayne, I wanted you to know that I received your book and have read it...what a marvelous testimony of faith, hope, and love! Your inscription at the beginning means the world to me. I cherish our friendship and the many good things you do for others. Several months ago I read Ted Kennedy's memoir, and while I didn't always agree with his politics, he made several profound statements. One of them dealt with the many tragedies the Kennedy's faced and how they dealt with them. He said, and I paraphrase, "we decided to strive to do the things that the one we lost would have tried to do had they lived." I think of you when I read this for your ministry is Kevin's ministry...what a blessing you are to so many! Bless you and thank you for love and friendship.       —Steve 

I have enjoyed reading your book Heaven Is Waiting. It was very enlightening. The Lord himself said we should study the Scripture and not be lacking. To have all this information on heaven in one book is great. Some people say they hope their family member or friend went to heaven. Scripture lets us know that we can know. It is wonderful knowing our loved ones are in God’s hand. Your book helps compare Scripture to what we know about heaven. I found your book to be uplifting and filled with wisdom based on the New King James version of the Bible. Your son, Kevin, was a wonderful young man, who put things of God first as a teenager when most teenagers are just excited about life and growing up. He stayed close to God during his illness, and your first book, This Little Light Of Mine, was really great. That book was filled with information on living for God, and Kevin’s strength in God as he lived was inspiring. Kevin played his guitar no matter how sick he was if able with your help. Truly, he knew what one should put first in his life. I will treasure this book and hope it continues to bless others. —Susie

God touched Wayne in a very special way and gave him words many need to hear. There’s a discipline of reflection, meditation, and the study of God’s Word evident in this project. I was refueled, inspired and encouraged to preach harder than ever the Gospel of Christ until He comes or calls me home to heaven. If you have lost a loved one who died in Christ, be encouraged; if you have questions, you might just find the answer; if you need a Savior, Wayne has made it clear how you can have that relationship and live in heaven one day as well. Thank you, Wayne , for allowing God to use you to encourage me. —Jerry

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow
Beginning Again after the Death of a Child

Wayne, thank you for sharing. As I read your book, I did a lot of crying. It took me almost two weeks to finish it. There were many things that spoke to my heart. Your book will be a blessing to all who read it. A few things spoke very clear. The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow tells the world that Kevin grew up with balanced growth and an abundance of love from Dad, family, and friends. Kevin was nurtured in the discipline and admonition of the Lord intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. Wayne, you did a great job as a Dad. Faith is at its best at a hospital bedside, in cancer wards, and in cemeteries. But only those with a heart full of love for Jesus can lead others to a greater depth of faith. Thank you, Wayne! Keep the faith.... —Juanita

Dear Wayne, Thank you for sending us your second book, I already had your first one. You know exactly what we are going through, and I appreciate your willingness to share with others. We are doing okay, but Christmas is going to be tough. Please keep us in your prayers, and we will keep you in ours. Oh, what a Christmas our boys will be having! Love in Christ. —Billie and Richard

Wayne, Danielle is one of my partners in our foundation and also the Mom of Khalid, a little cancer survivor from our ward (neuroblastoma). Danielle's friend lost her child this past weekend, and Danielle had some questions about your book, The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow. —Sarah

I received the book on Saturday and will be giving it to Tiffany on Thursday. Thank you so very much Wayne, I really appreciate it. Tiffany is one of the most wonderful people and has helped me a lot in the short time I have known her. I thought that your book would help her. Her stepson Brian passed on. He was like her own child. They are beyond heartbroken. Sadly, he took his own life. He was only 15 years old. I know that this book will bring them some comfort, and I am so thankful to you for giving it to me for her. —DaniellWayne, I was reading your profile and my oldest son just recently passed away. He was the young man that drowned at W. Kerr Scott Lake on Memorial Day weekend. Josh was 23 years old and had two little girls. I live moment by moment now, not day by day. Some moments are ok, others are not. I hope you don't mind me sending you this. I feel like you know what I am dealing with. I finished reading the book you sent me this morning. It was a blessing to me, and I thank you again for sending it to me. God gave you the talent to write and you do it well. I wish I could have met your son. I can tell by reading about him that he was an amazing young man. All through the book I could see me in the pages as I read them. It is truly a wonderful book. I have let my mom borrow it to read. I am sure she will get a blessing out of it as well. She is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She had surgery and radiation treatments, and since then she has been cancer free, thank the Lord. By the way, Kevin and my daughter share the same birthday, December 7th. My daughter was born in 2001. May God bless you for the works you do in helping others deal with grief and showing them how God can help them to if they will just let Him. Thanks again my new friend. —Ginger

Thank you so much for the great book! It was a lovely surprise, and I have just started to read it. It's very good and a big help to me. Some days are better than others, and it always feels as tough it all happened yesterday.  It's always wonderful to find or be given a book like this to find some sense in my world. Bless you for your thoughtfulness and kindness! —Astrid

Wayne, I am very anxious to read your books. I am going to get a set for myself and one for our new cancer resource room! I have a friend whose sixteen-year-old daughter has been fighting this cancer battle for a year now. Thanks, —Teresa

Wayne, We love the book. It is beautiful. Thank you so much for letting Megan be a part of it. We want to order some for Christmas. I'll let you know soon how many we need. Thank you again. God Bless, —Jen

Dear Wayne, I learned of your son through the Caringbridge site for Vinny DiGerolamo. I live in Tazewell Va., and we have lost several teenagers lately to this horrible disease. I learned of Vinny's site through one of the boys here, T.J.Ranick (Angel). I have volunteered for the American Cancer Society for about 15 years now. We just recently opened our first Cancer Resource Room at a local hospital. It is wonderful! We have lots of resources in this room. I would love to get your books not only for our resource room but for myself. I have wanted to meet Vinny for a long time, so I am going to try my best to come to your book signing on the 27th to get these books and hopefully to meet Vinny. I am not sure how far it is away from me. I know it is a few hours. I have you all in my prayers and will hopefully see you on the 27th! Thanks for all you do! —Teresa

The book "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" is great! I am currently reading it and am about 3/4 of the way through! —Sandy

Wayne, thank you for the autographed books — for me and for our library. Kevin's life and legacy continue to shine through you. Warm wishes for happy holidays. —Tom

Wayne, I just visited your website. I'm covered in goose bumps. God bless you for all you have been through and all you have done for grieving parents. I am absolutely thrilled to hear from you. Love, —Marty

Wayne, I'm almost finished reading your book. It is a great book. It shows me that we're more alike in our grief than I thought. My therapist thinks I'm not going anywhere with my grief. She and my psychiatrist continuously are trying to get me to put Faith in my past and to know that Melissa is my future. I know all that. But as you know, we will never completely give up our child, not them and not their things. I still have most of Faith's clothes and toys and was told it was time for me to get rid of them. But they don't realize we're not making monuments to our children. We're trying to keep our memories of our child and keep their life going even though they are dead to us. Your book has helped me by seeing I'm in the same place as others. I'm not alone in continuously wanting my child back. I know I'll never get her back here on this earth. However, she's there waiting for me, and she will not forget me. I often worry about who's taking care of her. She was so needy of me and my presence in her life, I can't just let her go. I think about the way she suffered, and one thing I can now say after reading your book is that even though I lost her at a young age, at least she suffered only a week, while Kevin suffered 7 years. I have to remind myself that no matter how much I love and miss Faith, and no matter how much pain she went through, she could have suffered for years. Because as we know, she wasn't going to get better, we got her the help she needed too late. Thank you for your friendship. I'm sorry I have leaned on you so much when you were having a hard time yourself learning to live without your son.  One of the hardest things to learn is that no matter how much you miss and pray for your child to come back to their earthly home, they wouldn't want to. If God gave them the choice, I believe they wouldn't want to come back to us, and I don't blame them. Sorry to do so much venting of my frustrations to you. Love, Your Friend —Linda

Reading this book has shown me that we are not far away from our grieving phase. I'm sorry I didn't realize Kevin had only died a year before Faith. Just think, they are both in Heaven having a much better time than we are. I'm still having trouble accepting that there is another plane that Faith is on, and that she lives on in Jesus Christ. I know she's happy, and I pray everyday that God tells her how much I love her. I don't ask that he tell her how much she's missed, because then she wouldn't be happy, and as you know there are no tears in Heaven. You're in my prayers especially during the upcoming holidays. —Linda

A man man in our church, who is a psychologist, talked with me and said that he wanted to buy both your books for his friend who lost six children in a house fire about five years ago. I know that your heart and mine will be so uplifted if someone reads our stories and finds comfort and healing. Thanks again for letting God use you as an agent of healing. Blessings, —Debbie

Hi Wayne,

An acquaintance of mine in Connecticut son committed suicide last week in his dorm room. I thought I'd send her your book in a week or so to help her. —Cheryl

Guess what I got for my special birthday? Your wonderful book, and I am so proud of you! It is touching to see what you are doing to help others. I taught both cousin Cameron and Donald W. in middle school. This will be a comfort and help to many. Take care...I know you miss your son everyday and this book and the other one is such a tribute to him. —Sharon

Wayne, I want to thank you for sending your book to us.
Thank you for being obedient to what the Lord called you to do.
God bless you, and God bless The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow to His purpose. —Cindy

I have just finished your book, and I cannot tell you what it has meant to me. I think a lot of people thought they knew what you and Kevin went through, but I found that I did not have a clue until I read your book. I felt through the whole book that I was right there with you, and it really touched my heart. Kevin was such an inspiration, as you are, and he will forever be in our hearts. You did a fantastic job with the book. I hope you have great success with it. —Pat

Thank you so much for writing " This Little Light Of Mine." I have just began to read it. My chest tightened up and tears came to my eyes when I read the acknowledgment. I am to page 27 and my eyes are still filled with tears just thinking of the pain you suffered along with Kevin for seven  years. I loved Kevin and always knew what a sweet boy he was. I could tell when I saw the two of you or the three of you out eating or at the gym how special the relationship with you and Kevin was. God gave him to you because he was so special.  I know that many souls will be saved from reading your book. We don't know why bad things happen to good people but I know that this book is wonderful and will prove to make wonderful things happen. Thank you for sharing your personal life and feelings with me and the world. —Nancy

Our 17 year old son, Jordan was diagnosed with leukemia 12/07. We just spent the weekend at Brenner and Terry Thomas took care of Jordan.He brought in your book and I read it. Oh my, what a tribute to a wonderful son.I know you'd rather he be here with you, but who could ask for a better Guardian Angel than the one you have? My heart is still aching for you and your Kevin. I also am a school nurse and I have never been more proud of my profession than I was when reading about Nurse Fran. What an asset to nursing! May God bless you and yours. Thank you for your quest in finding a cure, saving the children. —Sandy

I was so thrilled to see the book published and to have our own autographed copy. I think my entire family has gone online and purchased one! I have read part of the book, but find it hard for me to read for very long at all because I get so emotional. You did an incredible job with the writing, and with all of the e-mails, newspaper writings and other important information. I do get taken back to those days, and it is tough. Still, I think it is a tremendous book of Kevin's life and will touch all who read it. I especially think it is good for someone who has never walked that walk before. I will finish the book; I am determined.  It just makes me ache for Aaron, and to hear Kevin's voice. It is sad to look back on those days of our lives, and wonder how did we get here today? Take care. Love,  —Terri

I am not finished with your book yet but it won't be long. I read till two last night I could not put it down. I have been to church and to visit my friend  that just got out of the hospital.  I won't tell you how wonderful it is till I finish.  I have read Kevin's autobiography and cried and smiled as I pictured Kevin making decisions about his life.  I thought it was so touching  that when he did get married he was going to have two children so they would always have a friend. —Nancy

How emotionally touched I was this morning when Patsy brought me the book you wanted me to have. Words cannot convey what my heart feels. I have just skimmed through the book looking at pictures and reading some of the pages. You have done a wonderful job, and I know that Kevin is grinning from ear to ear because he is so proud of his dad. I know that this book will touch many lives, even those who were not fortunate enough to know Kevin personally. I can't wait to sit down and read it. I have it laying on my desk right now and every time I look at Kevin' s picture on the front of the book, I get a warm heart-melting feeling. Thank you for sharing Kevin's life with the world. I've said it before, but I feel so privileged and blessed to have known Kevin. Thank you again Wayne. You'll never know what it means to me. Thanks for blessing my day with the book. —Becky

Several weeks ago I stumbled upon the website for your book. Without any hesitation, Anthony and I ordered it. Once it arrived, I completed the book in four days. I did not want to put it down, but at the same time I did not want to continue reading it. I prayed the ending would change, but of course it could not. Since I finished that book, I have not had a single day that the thought of Kathy, you and Kevin has not entered my mind. It seems as if everywhere I look I am reminded of Kevin, what a blessing this tragedy has brought and will continue to bring to thousands of people. From Myrtle Beach this weekend to Wendy's for lunch, your family was there, and each time I have said a prayer for all of you. I do not understand why such events happened to someone that was so destined for greatness: why an only child would be taken from parents that so desperately love him when so many other children go unloved each day, why you are not a bitter, bitter man consumed with hatred instead of love, why Kevin never lost his faith when faced with trials that would have broken me much earlier on. There are so many questions that I know will never be answered until that time when we are all together again. Anthony and I have been blessed beyond words with four amazing children, and there is nothing more heart breaking for me to hear than for my sweet child remembering Kevin and yourself in his prayers at night. While it was a difficult story to make a child that small understand, he prays with all of his heart for you all and he does understand. He does want you to feel better and to find comfort in God. I pray that his prayers are answered and that you do and will. Wayne, while I have known you, Kevin and Kathy for years, I have never really spoken to you. While Kevin was sick, I did not have the nerve for fear of saying the wrong thing. Then after Kevin passed away, I did not have the heart to face you or Kathy. Even before I read the book, you have never been far from my mind. I want to say how sorry I am for never speaking to your wonderful son, for offering support to yourself or Kathy.  How sad I am that I will never have the opportunity to hear him play his music or for my children to hear it as well, and to extend my deepest sympathy to you now, almost two years later for your loss, and to tell you that while Kevin's time on earth may have been brief, his life and legacy will live on through my children as I tell them his amazing story of Christ, love for life, the love of his parents and his will to live. The message that I want to convey is that I will never forget Kevin or your family. There has been a blessing in his story for myself and my family. Because of the type of person Kevin was, the way he lived his life, his Christianity, your love and devotion to him and for him, I will hold my children closer, love them deeper, pray harder, because all things are possible through prayer and he is a testament to that.  Appreciate each moment of their lives more and cherish those around me. Your story is a blessing in itself and God has given you the gift of writing to share it and God's word with the world. I will never forget this book and will carry his legacy with me all my days. Thank you for sharing Kevin, his story and his life. I am a blessed person for knowing you all. With deepest respect, appreciation and prayer. —Barbie

I am on your web site. It is wonderful. I am enjoying reading the articles and listening to the music which is so soothing and relaxing. Can't wait to read the book.  Kevin was a wonderful young man.  I know you miss him greatly. I don't know if you knew it but I lost my little girl (LaRaye) at 8 1/2 months in 1966. I still miss her even though it has been 42 years. It is so hard to give up our loved ones but when we know they are in God's arms it makes it much easier to release them to Him.May God Bless you and thanks for writing this book and giving us an insight on the life of Kevin. —Jan

Tom McLean sent me a signed copy of "This Little Light of Mine" and I certainly found it well done and inspiring. In fact, the only flaw in the book was that it included a photo of me (offset of course by the fact that Kevin was in the photo as well)! Thank you so much for all you did and continue to do. I am now in West Virginia, still doing pediatric hem/onc but often think of friends from the 25 years in Winston-Salem...and all of you are on that list. Thanks again for sharing with me. —Allen

I want to commend you on your achievement of not only writing a book but being able to handle the situation that you have been given. I know that the Lord has helped you with the burden that you have carried all of this time. I truly believe that this book would be a godsend for people that would be facing this same dilemma with their own child. I know that that is why you wrote it along with it being an outlet for all that you, Kathy and Kevin went through. I do thank you personally for the writing of the book. I feel that a person in the same situation would certainly appreciate the forethought that you have put into your story.  It's a story but it's also a very important piece of your life that you will never, ever forget. Kevin was indeed lucky to have a father like you. Again, let me congratulate you on a book well written, the book itself and the courage that it took to write it. You came face to face with Kevin's death and that is probably what you needed to do. It takes guts to do that. Best of luck in the future. —Bronda

I am almost finished with reading Kevin's story. My daughter-in-law got an autographed copy for me for Mother's Day. It is an amazing chronicle of a heroic effort and a father's undying devotion to his son. I commend you for the battle that was waged and the way you chose to handle it. God is truly the source of all things and He knows what is best. —Wanda

Just wanted you to know that I finished reading your book and found it to be every bit as inspirational and touching as I expected. The inclusion of so many e-mail correspondences, with peers, physicians, clergy, and friends, added meaning to an already powerful story. You remain at the top of my list as a source of strength and Christian witness. Thank you so much for sharing this story with me and so many others. —Steve

Wayne, I just checked out the website. It really is remarkable. Thanks for sharing. —Debbie

I was in Missouri this week and read most of the book. I'll finish it tomorrow.  Wow! You did such a good job with the writing. I think you intended to paint a picture of the extraordinary outpouring of love and support that you received from the community, and it came through loud and clear. As for a more personal reaction, I came away from the reading wishing I had known this extraordinary young man, and proud to say that I know his extraordinary father. This book makes me feel that I know you much better.  I'm awed at the tenacity with which you fought for Kevin's life. In doing so, you also pointed him to the Way to have Life that cannot be taken away. Blessings to you. —Debbie

I just finished reading This Little Light of Mine. I have been blessed while being reminded of the joy of knowing Kevin. As hundreds of others have voiced, he had such courage and that courage came from his strong faith. What a man!Thank you for the book. After Becky reads it, I will probably read it again.Wayne, you were an equal inspiration to me and to others. You showed us how to never give up, always pressing forward, never taking no for the final answer. Kevin was fortunate to have a father that went the distance for him.I love you and Kevin. My life is richer because of you. —Jim

I received your book today in clinic. What a wonderful way to continue shining Kevin's light to the world! His light was so bright that I can't believe it's been over a year since I last saw him, and now you've captured some of it in perpetuity. Thank you very much for sharing your book with me. It's been a sincere pleasure to get to know you and Kevin. —Scott

I just wanted to tell you that I finished your book. It is wonderfully written and has been such a blessing. I'm so sorry that Kevin had to endure everything he did, and it's hard to understand why some people have to go through that pain. I want you to know what an inspiration Kevin is to others through your book. Also, thank you for providing the scholarship opportunity to our students. —Stephanie

What a beautiful, beautiful tribute to your wonderful son! I still cry when I see pictures of Kevin -- he was such a special boy/man and I was very honored to get to know both of you. I am sure it will make me even more acutely aware of the special boy who let me into his life (and his very special father, too). Thank you, thank you for letting me know about this book release, and thank you for sharing his story -- he always inspired me and I am sure he will do the same for others. —Brook

Hi Wayne! Graduation day is upon us!

And I am so happy to say that I have received Kevin's Memorial Scholarship. I'm sure you already know this, haha. But, nonetheless, I am SO excited.  It is probably the best thing to ever happen to me.  It is such an honor to be a part of Kevin's legacy.  Mrs. Stone told me today, and I was very excited.  I can't wait to see you at the awards ceremony! —Hannah 

Wayne...I am so happy.  Yesterday was quite possibly the best day of my life.  The award's assembly was momentous, and I am so honored to have received Kevin's scholarship. I am also honored to have gotten the principal's award just like Kevin did. The ceremony just made me feel accomplished. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I know that I wouldn't have made it through my junior and senior year without you. You are a wonderful person. I can't thank you enough for just yesterday, much less all the other things you have done for me. I will be sure to keep in touch and let you know how nursing school is going.Thank you SO much, —Hannah