I received a copy of this book when my husband passed away. It is simply written and takes the reader through the various stages of grieving to recovery. It's as though the author is right there walking beside you. And he knows what you're going through.

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I was expecting a more in-depth book about grieving, rather than short poetic lines about shock, suffering, and recovery. The book did have good information, just not as detailed as I had expected and hoped for.

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The book's back cover quotes this review from the Minneapolis Star, "If you're far away when someone you care about is in mourning, send this book - it's the next best thing to being there. And if you doubt whetheryour being there will do any good, read this book, and you will learn how to become the wise, reassuring, and understanding person a good friend is when a loved one has died."

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A most thoughtful little read for those who lose someone. Divided into four sections: Shock, Suffering, Recovery and A New Life, the book is written in verse that allows one to ponder and muse over the written words. I will share some of the most meaningful entries for me:

Shock (p. 7):

Why?

How often in happy times did you ask "Why?"

When blessings were yours and life was joyful, did you ask "Why?"

Now death has shaken your faith,
"Why?"
"Why me?"
"Why didn't I die first?"
"Why must my life be one of sorrow?"
"Why?"

Suffering (p. 24)

Denial

"Oh, dear God, it isn't true."

"Not to me!"

"There must be some mistake."

"When I wake up, I'll find it didn't really happen."

Recovery (p. 52):

Oh, God,
Giv e me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept that which I cannot change, and the wisdom to distinguish between the two. ....Thomas C. Hart

A New Life (p. 106)

Death brings you a choice.
It can lead you
to the edge of the abyss.
Or you can build a bridge
that will span the chasm.

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