H B Coates

About the Author

In 1954, when he was six, H. B. Coates was hit by a truck and died. His mother made a Hannah-like promise to God that, if he were revived, she would devote his life to the Lord. Coates did survive and, honoring his mother's vow, he became a Lutheran minister. But when his Christian faith was unable to provide answers for those he lost to suicide, Coates resigned from the clergy and found a new road in life.

A middle school social studies teacher, Coates still continues to substitute teach at 70. He has been married to his wife, Denise, for 48 years. They live in Oregon and enjoy hiking the Cascades. They love to watch their grandchildren play basketball, baseball, and soccer.

With respect for his Christian faith, and with respect for those in his family who have chosen to complete suicide – respect for both, but unable to reconcile the two – Coates wrote this novel.