Reviews
"Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello is a poignant read that shares the journey of the author her experience of a wonderful pregnancy ending abruptly with an unexpected turn; how her baby becomes an angel. This page-turning true story touched my heart as I learned how Mrs. Buda shares just how fragile life is." ~Elizabeth Mueller, author of Baby's Breath YA fiction
"This is a journey no one wants to take, and no one should have to. But it happens and it always seems to happen to those that are good people. And for those that have not experienced anything like this, you should still give it a read. Your heart will break, you feel happy, you will find a bit of faith that everything is going to work out. If you have experienced something like this, you have to read it. I believe it will help you with everything you are going through because someone has been through it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel even though it may not seem like it at first. Please go and pick up this book when it comes out."- Autumn Nauling
Goodness gracious, I don't know how RaeBeth wrote this book. It must have taken much strength to get through it because it had me crying for most of the story. I don't usually read non~fiction books but when RaeBeth announced she was writing Dakota's story, I was eager to read it. I was on Facebook that day and remember all to well getting the notification about Dakota. We all said out condolences and tried to give encouraging words, knowing we couldn't possibly understand their pain. Prayer were sent up for this lovely family who was in so much pain. I have watch RaeBeth this past few months and has been amazed at her faith. It gives me strength to her holding on to the Lord so hard after going through worst than I have ever gone through and knowing if she can persevere in light of such a loss, then surely I can preserve through my hardships that can't even compare to hers. It was an honor to read through her journey. I believe those who have such a loss as this would gain strength by reading it and those who haven't had this experience would gain a glimpse of what Angel Parents go through and would be encouraged to love each day thankful for what they have. And also know whatever we go through,if we lean on God He will get us through. (The night after I read Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello,I woke up early in the morning with this on my mind.) I don't for one minute think that God orchestrated her passing, that claim belongs solely to Satan. But he didn't win because God took her soul to Heaven and she is in His arms enjoying love,peace, and joy that Satan can only dreaming of never having. Satan wanted to break RaeBeth but apparently he forgot the verse: All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, to then who are called unto His purpose Romans 8:28. RaeBeth may have been down for the count from such a blow but he did not break her,he did not destroy her as he sought to do.No the Victory belongs to God and RaeBeth. She is resilient,she stomped on Satan's head and put him under her feet where he belongs. I believe everyone who reads this book,Dakota's blog,the reviews for the book,and her Facebook page will be touched by the Light of God that shines through RaeBeth. I also pray and believe God will give them their Rainbow baby.- Candy Smith
As a mother of two beautiful daughters I cannot imagine the pain of carrying your child for nine months only to be told that she is dead inside of you. Rae Beth's story is heart wrenching and the fact that she shares it with us shows the strength and determination this woman has. RaeBeth takes us through the happiness of her pregnancy, of getting ready to welcome Dakota into the world. Even knowing what will happen we are routing for her and her family. By the time she goes into labor I could not stop the tears cascading down my face. The pain she describes is the worst possible. What mother cannot relate to giving birth. Having to do it without the promise of looking into your baby's eyes at the end leaves you breathless.
I am so glad that RaeBeth has the support of not just her family but of her church as well. The circle of friends and family around her helps her draw the courage to go on. I am not a very religious person but reading about how her faith helped her was inspiring.
This is a book that every mother should read to realize how lucky we are. I wish RaeBeth and her family the best and hope that God blesses them and keeps them close.- Jill Prandstatter
Rae-Beth's words are captivating from beginning to end. Whether you have experienced the pain personally or not, you feel as though you have by the end of the book. It's a heart wrenching, sad truth that should be read by all and brings you to the realization that this could happen to anyone. Rae-beth does a wonderful job of letting the reader in to her mind and thoughts throughout this terrible experience. Thank you for sharing your story with your audience!- Chantal Christopher
"Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello is the true, heartbreaking story of angel Dakota, her mother, author Rae-Beth McGee-Buda, her father and sister.
Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello is about love, loss, grief, healing and the love of a mother for their angel baby. This book is to honor Dakota and remember that although she is an angel she once grew in her mother's stomach and is loved. Rae-Beth takes her pain and shares it with other mothers who may be going through the same thing. She shows her strength through Christ and her never-ending faith. Her faith in God helped her through such a difficult loss and she never wavered in it, where quite a few would.
This book is beautifully written and captures all the emotions of love, loss, and grief while also giving hope to readers that they will one day be able to heal a part of themselves. This wonderful book honors Rae-Beth's angel, Dakota while telling other women who have suffered a similar loss her story and letting them know that they are not alone. Saying Goodbye Without Saying Hello is a wonderful book written by a loving mother!" - Bottles & Books Review Blog