Heartfelt Testimonials From Dear Family & Friends
after reading my grief and healing memoir
He Just Got There First . . .
'Rory’s book reflects who she is—courageous, determined, and deeply loving. She writes with honesty, speaking her truth in a way that resonates and inspires. She truly is her own individual accompanied with a gentle spirit.'
'We humans will all experience the pain of loss at some point in our lives. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote that to have loved and lost should be viewed as a gift. Rory shares her gift in He Just Got There First, with a story of great love and deep loss, written through her tears and her fears of facing life without her soulmate beside her-one step at a time, one day at a time. She chronicles her journey of love and grief, with a quiet strength that I have seen her exhibit in times of her deepest sorrow when she thinks no one is looking (though some would laugh at the word "quiet" used in describing her; she has a wicked sense of humor as a reader will sense in this book), and, always, always, her faith. She never wavered in her faith even in her darkest days. My sweet friend still has those days of despair, but God always shows his love for her everyday and reminders of her sweet Roy's love will appear to her when least expected. Please take the time to read and enjoy Rory's story that she has graciously shared with us. I love you, dear one.'
'As my friend walked through the unimaginable loss of her husband of 50 years, she chose honesty over platitudes and love over despair. This book is not just about the grief - it is about enduring devotion, sacred memories, and learning how to breathe again when life is forever changed. Reading her words feels like sitting with a trusted friend who understands pain but also believes in hope. Her story will comfort anyone who has loved deeply and lost profoundly.'
'Rory, I just finished your book. I appreciated the literary foreshadowing earlier in the manuscript of possibly (maybe? Who knows?) meeting a significant someone, and the clever way at the end sharing about your new client and gentleman friend. It was a sobering and emotional wrap-up to your book about your fulfilled life of frolics, adventure, and love with Roy. It was also a statement of your resolve and resilience to keep going forward. Very well done! What I noticed throughout the book was that you never made yourself into a victim. You were an intentional woman regardless the challenges. Thanks so much for letting me read it.'
'My name is Shelly, and my friend Rory’s story is one I understand in a very personal way. When my own husband passed away 14 years ago, the world became unfamiliar overnight. There is a kind of pain, emptiness, loneliness, desperation and grief that cannot be fully explained — only felt. A few years ago I told her, “You have to grieve in your own way, in your own time. There isn’t a timeline to follow. Give yourself the grace to grieve your own way.” Watching her do just that has been one of the most beautiful and courageous things I’ve ever witnessed. This book is not just filled with memories — it’s filled with life. The stories she shares are funny, wild, tender, and uniquely hers. And in telling them, she found her way forward. This book is Rory’s healing — page by page, story by story, breath by breath. For anyone who has ever loved deeply and lost the person who made life make sense, you will find pieces of yourself in these pages. You will also find hope — not the loud kind, but the quiet kind that whispers, “Keep going. You’re not alone.” Rory didn’t just survive her loss — she learned how to live alongside it. I am so proud of her for telling her truth, for honoring her love, and for showing others that healing is not about forgetting — it’s about remembering with love.'
'I read this book in two days because I genuinely could not put it down. When I got to the end, I wanted more! It’s written in such a way that I felt like I was at that party when the kitchen flooded. I laughed, I cried, and I got all up in my feelings. Of course, being family, I knew some of these stories, but there is one in particular story that I did not know. No spoilers, but let me tell you I was laughing so hard the tears were rolling. Rory is a true inspiration, and I am privileged to not only call her my auntie, but also a true friend.'
'I just finished "He Just Got There First". This book was so wonderful! I laughed and I cried, it brought back memories of my sweetie that passed almost 9 years ago. This truly is a club that we never wanted to join. Rory you have such a talent for writing. Can't wait for The Next Chapter! Hugs and much love my dear friend ❤️'
'This book is a beautiful tribute to a love that spanned nearly 50 years (but honestly will never end), filled with laughter, adventure, and deep connection. Through stories of unforgettable fun with friends and countless shared joys, Rory Coury Williams captures the heart of a marriage built on love. Her honest reflections on grief are both tender and courageous, offering comfort to anyone who has loved and lost. Most moving of all is the way she continues to feel his presence, a reminder that true love never truly leaves us. Thank you, Rory, for sharing your story!'
'I am almost done reading Rory's book and it is amazing! I didnt want to put it down, but I had to leave for a meeting. Very well written and heartwarming. So worth reading..dont hesitate to get it. I was friends with Rory in high school and remember when she met Roy. I knew back then they were made for each other. Rory is a strong, beautiful, caring woman. Her family and friends are lucky to have her in their lives. Almost 60 years she has been in mine. I truly cherish, respect and love her. Get her book!'
'Rory's and Roy's story of their incredibly deep love for each other will tug at your heart strings. You will laugh and you may shed tears. Enjoy this beautiful love story!'
'I finished Rory’s book in two days. It was hard to put down. Her writing style brings you right into the moment(s) to where you can totally imagine being there during her wild and wacky stories. She and Roy were blessed with such hilarious, touching and godwink moments that I can see why he encouraged her to write a book. Rory continues to feel Roy’s presence strongly in how he has helped to orchestrate her next chapter from heaven; and that in itself is a wonderful blessing. What I like most about her book is that she subliminally teaches us how to navigate immense grief and how to again move one foot in front of the other. She gives hope and exudes joy to all that find themselves in the club they never asked to be a part of. Thank you Rory for a great read.'
'I just got to finish your beautiful book. It took me awhile but other things kept coming up. I know we have never met in person, but I feel like I know you as if we had met. I feel all of the things that you feel as you know I have also lost the love of my life of 54 years. We met when I was almost 15 years old. It has been a long road for me also so I feel you. Even after almost 15 years I still have days like you have in your book, but with the help of God, family and friends I get through the days. Thank you for sharing with all the people that may need to read this book. You are a God send to others.'
'I just finished reading Rory’s book “He Just Got There First” and was hit with so many emotions. It’s full of love, laughter, and sound advice for facing and going forward after losing someone you love. This touches everyone so it is a must read!!'
'My Dear Friend Rory! I've read your book and what an amazing story! You and Roy shared an incredible journey! And to think we saw each other in Washington all those years ago! It is a distinct honor to be mentioned in your book. It brought tears to my eyes. And the words you wrote .... "riding the wave" and the way Roy lets you know that he's around you. I've had visits from Fred and many special moments that let me know he's here with me. Today would have been our 40th anniversary. I'm celebrating with a martini and some popcorn, our nightly tradition. You've honored your love and your life together in the most beautiful way! Congratulations Dear Friend! 💕🥃💕'
My prayer is that this book can help you navigate your waves, too . . .
Because the dichotomy is, in this most difficult chapter of my life, I continue to be blessed beyond measure.
Roy just got to Heaven first.