Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Each of the nine mothers who contributes to this short but eloquent volume lost a child who was in his or her teens or 20s, just beginning to fulfill the promise of their brief lives. The mothers found solace by coming together and sharing their pain: as Rita Volpe writes in an opening poem, “Together we have found new ways to live and love and remember the life.” Here they share what they’ve learned for other parents experiencing a similar tragedy, offering concrete advice and emotional reassurance (despite what the culture tells us, there is no closure, writes Cohen in her introduction-but there is a chance to enjoy life again). These bereaved mothers discuss frankly the force of their rage and guilt; the impact of the loss of a child on their marriages (their inability to have sexual relations, the difficulty of coming out of their own pain enough to acknowledge that of their husbands); and their ways of coping. Bereaved parents will find comfort, sympathy and support in this powerful, honest sharing of one of life’s most painful experiences.
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Library Journal
Having lost a child, nine mothers met in a support group; now, under the direction of Newsday contributor Mitchell, they share what has helped them get up every morning and move through their grief. They discuss how relationships can be strained, why there simply is no answer to the question “why?”, and what they do when a longtime acquaintance crosses the street to avoid talking to them. A chapter devoted to fathers reveals how they grieve differently than mothers. The thoughts and feelings related here are incredibly honest and courageous and would greatly assist any parent who has lost a child and feels alone. Highly recommended for all libraries.
“Written from the heart, the voices in this book reach out to relieve the pain of bereaved parents.”
- Katherine Fair Donnelly, author of Recovering From the Loss of a Parent
