SUMTER, SC — Loss takes many forms, but losing a child before you know it can be heartbreaking for any family. This was the case for Samantha Gassman, who had a miscarriage in November 2019.

The loss was not something Gassman or her husband thought they would endure. The recovery process was tough, but Gassman rose from her low point with the help of a few thousand notes and her rainbow baby.

Gassman is the proud author of the children’s book ‘Dear Rainbow Baby’, a 30-page picture book, illustrated by Timothy Lange, which follows a family’s transition from grieving their loss to welcoming their rainbow baby. -in sky.

Rainbow baby is a term coined for babies born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. For Gassman, these babies represent healing and hope for the future after the storm.

Gassman’s story began after she traded her eight-year officer career in the US Air Force – 1,600 flying hours and 305 in combat as a special operations navigator – to become a wife. and a military mother. She eventually changed careers to a full-time communications position, but by night she’s an avid writer and now a published author thanks to her son.

“My son loved children’s books,” Gassman said. “I remember reading these books to him, and even at a very young age, he was so excited. Every page turn, every illustration, he was completely captivated by these stories, and I loved them too.”

Children’s books and picture books are lightweight, Gassman said. It was something that took time, work and learning the craft.

“The book has to be very unique. It has to have an interesting take on something common or something even more specialized,” she said. “‘Dear Rainbow Baby’ kinda fits that bill.”

Currently a mother of two, Gassman is stationed at Shaw Air Force Base with her husband, awaiting the release of her picture book.

“Dear Rainbow Baby” was a book that took time and thought to put together. At first, the process was therapeutic for Gassman, but as she wrote, her words became a letter to her and her future husband’s rainbow baby.

“We were really lucky to get pregnant again with our rainbow baby, and the timing was just crazy,” she said. “Anyone who relates to the military community or even if they’ve had a miscarriage in their own life or someone close to you, you won’t find another book on the market that caters to parents who have these special babies. .one in particular is for people who have gone through this kind of tragedy and loss and have welcomed this light into their lives, which is their rainbow baby.”

Before “Dear Rainbow Baby”, Gassman wrote and published the children’s book “Honor Flight” in May of this year. “Dear Rainbow Baby” will be her second book and a third is expected to be released in 2024.

“Dear Rainbow Baby” is slated for release August 22 from Clear Fork Publishing, but the book can be pre-ordered online now at www.samanthagassman.com.