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Cole. . . I Love You to the Moon and Back

March 8, 2010 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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It’s a fact of life: bad things happen. When bad things happen to a child, it’s almost unbearable. This often leads to many questions like, “Why? Why would God let this happen?” But those of us who have endured trials realize that there is one reason that becomes readily apparent — trials help us focus on what’s really important.

This is what happened with Aaron and Moireen Ruotsala found out that their 3 year old son Cole had a very serious cancer. In his book Cole…I love You to the Moon and Back, Aaron looks back on those months before the illness and wonders, “Why were we always waiting for the next big thing? Why couldn’t we just enjoy each day for what it was?” And in listening to his story, those of us who haven’t faced the devastating crisis of a serious childhood illness, are reminded of that for ourselves. We should live each day to the fullest and enjoy it for exactly what it is.

The other thing that Aaron was forced to confront while dealing with Cole’s illness was the effect that some sinful habits and attitudes had on his family. The harsh reality of death led him to a deep self-examination that resulted in a closer walk with God.

The third notable result of Cole’s illness and untimely death was that many many people across the country were touched by Cole’s short life as he courageously battled cancer. The testimonies and quotes of some of the people who left notes on Cole’s website are included in the book as well.

Following Cole’s death, Aaron and Moireen started C.O.L.E.’s Foundation with the mission statement of Caring Openly, Loving Eternally. They received so much support throughout Cole’s journey and they wanted to pay it forward. C.O.L.E.’s Foundation is still doing just that for the families of those suffering with cancer. Part of the purpose of the book and the blog tour is to increase awareness about pediatric cancer. If you visit the site you can pray for the specific needs of families who are battling cancer. You can register your family if you are currently battling pediatric cancer, or join a prayer team if you want to show your support in this way.

We have two audiobooks to give away of Cole…I love You to the Moon and Back, written and read by Aaron Ruostsala, Cole’s father.

Leave a comment if you’d like to win. This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses, and is void where prohibited. We’ll announce the winner in next Monday’s book column.

The winners of the giveaways that closed this week are:

  • Slob Proof: Real Life Design Solutions: #12 Jessica Harwood
  • Princess Potty and Pirate Potty
    Grand Prize books and Target gift card: #190 Amy Delong
    Set of books: #70 Laura Myler and #146 Jennifer M.

This post written by 5 Minutes for Books managing editor Jennifer Donovan. If you love books check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.

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So exciting… Our new design is coming…
So How Do We Look???

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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45 Comments

  1. Melissa S says

    March 14, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    Sounds so perfect! My daughter and I say that to each other daily!!!!

    Reply
  2. Angela Winesburg says

    March 14, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    I would love to listen to this, thanks!

    Reply
  3. George Ferris says

    March 14, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    I would like to win this.

    Reply
  4. kathy p says

    March 14, 2010 at 10:09 am

    Thank you for the Great giveaway please count me in 🙂

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    March 14, 2010 at 9:57 am

    I would love to win!

    Reply
  6. debp says

    March 14, 2010 at 6:20 am

    Sounds like a great book. My son is dealing with some tumors that the doctor can’t get out. It would be good to have a good book right now.
    debp
    [email protected]

    Reply
  7. Carla Pullum says

    March 14, 2010 at 12:00 am

    I would love to win!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  8. Kerrie Mayans says

    March 13, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    I would love to win this to listen to during my morning commute.

    Reply
  9. James Coyne says

    March 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Enter me please

    Reply
  10. Belinda Shaw says

    March 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    What a great lesson we could learn from this great book! To live each day like it could be your very last one.

    Reply
  11. frances watson says

    March 13, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    I would love to win this Thank You for this great giveaway [email protected]

    Reply
  12. Ed Nemmers says

    March 13, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    This is so moving and touching!

    Reply
  13. REBECCA says

    March 13, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Would love to have the chance to listen to this

    Reply
  14. Winning Readings says

    March 13, 2010 at 6:04 am

    This sounds like a beautiful book.

    We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/03/cole.html

    Janemaritz at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  15. venus m. says

    March 12, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    Without knowing the story I was drawn to this by the title of the book.

    Reply
  16. dj says

    March 11, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    sign me up

    Reply
  17. Beth says

    March 11, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I know I’d cry listening to it but I’d love the chance to win it!

    Reply
  18. Julie Donahue says

    March 11, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    This sounds like an incredible book.

    Reply
  19. Jessica Anderson says

    March 11, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    I would love to have this, please enter me.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  20. Andria says

    March 11, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    I would love a chance to win. Thank you.

    Reply
  21. Sandy (Your Life, Organized) says

    March 10, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I will have to check out this book.
    We lost our fist daughter and we buried her with the book
    Guess How Much I Love You.
    Thank you for sharing this touching story.

    Reply
  22. jemmmers74 says

    March 10, 2010 at 9:00 am

    Would love to read this book. It sounds great!

    Reply
  23. Danielle says

    March 9, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    I would love to win this because Im a Christian and would listen to this when at work in my office. Thank you for promoting a great book

    Reply
  24. susan varney says

    March 9, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    love to win this inspiring prize
    [email protected]

    Reply
  25. Shannon Baas says

    March 9, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Since I travel a lot, this would be great.

    Reply
  26. darcie says

    March 9, 2010 at 8:31 am

    I read about Cole and his wonderful foundation a couple of years back. What an amazing family. I would love to read this book.

    Reply
  27. Katy says

    March 9, 2010 at 8:27 am

    This sounds like such a good book! I listen to audio books on my computer to & from work so I would love this, thanks!

    Reply
  28. Just Mom says

    March 8, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Sounds like quite a read. Please enter me.

    Reply
  29. Francine Anchondo says

    March 8, 2010 at 9:18 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  30. katklaw777 says

    March 8, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    Would luv to listen to this book, Thanks.

    Reply
  31. Kim says

    March 8, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. It sounds like an amazing book.

    Reply
  32. Marci says

    March 8, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Sounds wonderful. Thank you for the chance to win.

    Reply
  33. melissa n says

    March 8, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    sounds like an aamzingly heart touching story

    Reply
  34. Annette W says

    March 8, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Wow. Though we know the medical (including life-threatening left untreated) and physical problems we have faced with our two children are nothing compared to what others face, especially when losing a child, Cole’s story would be incredible to hear…and a real blessing.

    Reply
  35. Benita says

    March 8, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Amazing story! I’d love to read it.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  36. Kirsten T. says

    March 8, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Unfortunately I had a co-worker that spent the last year caring for his 3 year old with cancer. As an outlet, he too blogged his and his wife’s experience. The brave little girl succumbed about 2 months ago…I am just so amazed at my co-workers spirit. Although might be difficult to listen to, I would definitely like to hear Cole’s story. Thanks!

    Reply
  37. B. Nabors says

    March 8, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    I would love this – sounds very inspiring.

    Reply
  38. Jessica H says

    March 8, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Wow, this book sounds incredible. A tear jerker, for sure. I love that you pointed out how the author said he wondered why they kept “waiting”. This is such a good reminder and I’m going to hopefully change – from “waiting” to “doing” because every day is an amazing one.

    Reply
  39. Christine says

    March 8, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    I am trying more and more to enjoy each day with our family, no matter the trials, monotony, etc. Our family has been blseed with health, so far, but this is a lesson so many of us need to learn. I would love to have a copy!

    Reply
  40. rhonda says

    March 8, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    I love to read…or to be read to.

    Reply
  41. Amys blah, blah, blogging says

    March 8, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Wow, teary just from reading about the story, can’t imagine how I’d be reading the story!

    Reply
  42. Hailey says

    March 8, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I would love to read this amazing story.

    Reply
  43. Allison says

    March 8, 2010 at 8:27 am

    This book sound life it would be life changing. I’d love to win a copy.

    Reply
  44. blueviolet says

    March 8, 2010 at 5:24 am

    What a touching story. I’d love to read it!

    Reply

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