Beyond Tears
Living After Losing a Child
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4.3 • 24 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Meant to comfort and give direction to bereaved parents, Beyond Tears is written by nine mothers who have each lost a child. This revised edition includes a new chapter written from the perspective of surviving siblings.
The death of a child is that unimaginable loss no parent ever expects to face. In Beyond Tears, nine mothers share their individual stories of how to survive in the darkest hour. They candidly share with other bereaved parents what to expect in the first year and long beyond:
*Harmonious relationships can become strained
*There is a new definition of what one considers "normal"
*The question "how many children do you have?" can be devastating
*Mothers and fathers mourn and cope differently
*Surviving siblings grieve and suffer as well
*There simply is no answer to the question "why?"
This sharing in itself is a catharsis and because each of these mothers lost her child at least seven years ago, she is in a unique position to provide perspective on what newly bereaved parents can expect to feel. The mothers of Beyond Tears offer reassurance that the clouds of grief do lessen with time and that grieving parents will find a way to live, and even laugh again.
Contributors include Ellen Mitchell, Carol Barkin, Audrey Cohen, Lorenza Colletti, Barbara Eisenberg, Barbara Goldstein, Madelaine Perri Kasden, Phyllis Levine, Ariella Long, and Rita Volpe.
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.
Customer Reviews
Excellent!
I lost my child in February 2017. I had already one whole book in regards to one mothers personal journey, another book of many types of loss and then came this precious gem of a book. Although my daughters life and death were different, these parents touched on sooo many different feelings and things to look forward in the grieving process. I loved how it wasn't so religious and didn't force that issue on you, instead they were candid about their own spiritual struggles or lack there of. I felt very connected to this book and I am happy to have it handy.
Beyond Tears
This book helped me more than words can express, losing our youngest daughter was the worse thing I have ever experienced, the mothers in this book put my emotions into words, helped me understand I was not alone in my pain and sadness. I am comforted by the wisdom,honest emotion shared by these parents. I have read this book many times in the three years since Rebecca died. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I have recommended this as a must read for every grieving parent.
Beyond Tears
I love and miss you, my dear, sweet Jack.