All human beings encounter loss and death, as well as the grief associated with these experiences. It is therefore important for children and adolescents to understand that such events are inevitable and to learn how to accept loss and cope with their emotions. In order to help children through their pain, parents and caregivers need access to the proper resources that will help them discuss these topics, and educational professionals need reliable resources for creating courses of study on these subjects. In Death, Loss, and Grief in Literature for Youth, Alice Crosetto and Rajinder Garcha identify hundreds of resources that will help educators, professionals, parents, siblings, guardians, and students learn about coping with the loss of a loved one and the grief process. These resources include books, Internet sites, and media titles aimed at students and those helping them through the grieving process. Chapters in this volume include fiction and non-fiction titles about the loss of a family member, a friend, and a pet, as well as general reference resources, curricular resources, and websites. Annotations provide complete bibliographical descriptions of the entries, and each entry is identified with the grade levels for which it is best suited. Reviews from recognized publications are also included wherever possible. Anyone interested in locating helpful resources regarding death and grieving will find much of value in this essential tool.

Using Scripture and personal narrative, Courageously Expecting empathizes with and empowers women to face a pregnancy after loss with faith and courage, despite inevitable feelings of grief and fear that accompany life after losing a baby. Pregnancy is widely regarded as the most joyful time in a woman's life, but for the mother who has experienced pregnancy loss, a subsequent pregnancy can feel like she's holding her breath and hoping for what she can't control. In Courageously Expecting, Jenny Albers meets women in this difficult season as someone who has also experienced the worst and cautiously hoped for the best. Through the telling of her own story, Scripture, and heartfelt prayer, she encourages readers to cling to faith in the face of fear and guides them to cultivate hope when doubt weighs heavy; realize that the past does not dictate the present or the future and that God creates a way in the wilderness of grief and loss; flip the script on the what-if, worst-case-scenario narrative in their minds and learn to take their thoughts captive; and find the courage to humble themselves and ask for and accept help from others. Regardless of where readers are on their pregnancy after loss journey, Courageously Expecting is a companion to help them through the days when fear overshadows hope.

After the death of a child, there is no closure. It is like learning how to live with an amputation---you are forever changed and need to learn how to live a new "normal." There can be a feeling of desperation to find someone farther ahead on the path who can understand the crushing pain that makes you feel like you can't even breathe at times. Laura Diehl was plunged into that place with the death of her daughter, and meets the deep need to connect with others who have experienced what cannot be put into words. "When Tragedy Strikes" is the raw account of her journey from deep darkness back into light and life, extending a hand of hope to those traveling on the path behind her, who need to rebuild their lives after the death of a child.

In God's Lent Child, women find faith and hope in the midst of the death of their dream. This journey into the darkest night of their souls takes us to a young mother pleading for the life of her newborn; a mother reeling from the shocking news that her college daughter has been kidnapped; a teenage athlete succumbing to bipolar suicide; and a life that could change the world that is suddenly cut short. Where is God when a child is suddenly gone? Where is the child now? How were these seven women able to move on when all was lost? Each of these women's stories is different, but their pain and testimony are the same. They each traded peace for suffering, understanding for guilt, forgiveness for anger, and joy for grief. Their messages will encourage, empower, and reveal the one who carried them through and provided them their strength and their answers.

In Healing after Parent Loss in Childhood and Adolescence: Therapeutic Interventions and Theoretical Considerations, experts explore the varied, often complex, and always tragic circumstances under which young people face losing a parent. Profound grief and feelings of powerlessness may accompany loss of a parent at any age, but distinctly so when such loss is experienced during formative years. Whenever these individuals seek help, therapists must be psychically prepared to enter into arenas of trauma, bereavement, and mourning. The children, teens, and adults presented are diverse in age, culture/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A diverse group of contributors showcase a wide range of effective approaches from traditionally structured short- and long-term psychotherapies and psychoanalysis, to psycho-educational, supportive, and preventive interventions. The writers in this volume do not shy away from tough matters such as urban violence, AIDS, and war; they address concerns practicing clinicians face, such as when to work with children, adolescents, and adults individually, and when and how to involve their surviving parents and families. Included in this book are issues related to the self-care and professional development needs of therapists who take on this difficult but essential work, including peer support and supervision. This volume is likely to spark important re-examinations across all fields of mental health practice. It will equip and empower clinicians of all kinds who undertake work with those who are grieving. Healing after Parent Loss in Childhood and Adolescence promises to be a vital and stimulating read for supervisors, teachers, and trainers of child, adolescent, and family clinicians."

Revised edition of the best-selling memoir that has been read by over a million people worldwide with translations in 29 languages.

After too many years of unfulfilling work, Bronnie Ware began searching for a job with heart. Despite having no formal qualifications or previous experience in the field, she found herself working in palliative care. During the time she spent tending to those who were dying, Bronnie's life was transformed. Later, she wrote an Internet blog post, outlining the most common regrets that the people she had cared for had expressed. The post gained so much momentum that it was viewed by more than three million readers worldwide in its first year. At the request of many, Bronnie subsequently wrote a book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, to share her story.

Bronnie has had a colourful and diverse life. By applying the lessons of those nearing their death to her own life, she developed an understanding that it is possible for everyone, if we make the right choices, to die with peace of mind.

In this revised edition of the best-selling memoir that has been read by over a million people worldwide, with translations in 29 languages, Bronnie expresses how significant these regrets are and how we can positively address these issues while we still have the time. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying gives hope for a better world. It is a courageous, life-changing book that will leave you feeling more compassionate and inspired to live the life you are truly here to live.

Offers advice on how to handle various exits in life, from death and loss, to firings and breakups with empathy and humor. "Actually, Geri, it's you. We have to let you go." Hearing these words from my dear friend of more than 25 years over the phone on a sunny Friday afternoon left me shaking. It was a first for me - being at this end of a layoff. And it was a gut punch. Being on the receiving end of a layoff, Geri Reid Suster pondered her next steps and had an epiphany - life is full of exits. From school, from jobs, from relationships, and ultimately from life itself. And those transitions can be rocky or they can be handled with grace, honor, and humor. Still, most people struggle with such endings, getting mired down in thoughts of failure, grief, frustration, regret, and anger. Here, Suster shows readers how they can do better, be better, and live better through all of life's goodbyes. Exits are going to happen whether we like it or not, so why not get good at them? How much time did you spend learning to walk, ride a bike, drive a car, and/or interview for a job? Why not spend a little time learning to approach exits with greater skill? An ugly exit not only leaves scars on everyone involved, but also adds to the psychological burden one carries long after the exit. On the other hand, a graceful exit is hard in the moment, but sets us up to feel lighter and healthier on the other side. Direct and full of advice and suggestions for next steps forward, Suster guides readers through the ups and downs of goodbyes, and carefully reveals the best methods for a smoother, more graceful transition.

Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God takes you on a full journey of trauma, loss, and finally resilience. While on a mission's trip in Guatemala, a small Cessna Caravan's engine blows while carrying fourteen passengers. Unfortunately, the Cessna crashes in a remote village, leaving eleven of the fourteen passengers dead. One passenger, Sarah, shares her story in "Life is Beautiful", about the deaths of her father and brother; her mother's extreme physical and emotional injuries, and Sarah's self-discovery to accept this new life. Life is Beautiful, however, is more than a story about an airplane crash. Life is Beautiful shares the personal struggles of Sarah's father's drug use, his recovery, and redemption to be a better person. He gives back by doing missions work in Africa, takes in Sarah's aunt dying of uterine cancer, and eventually leads their family to the mountains of Guatemala. Sarah also discusses her struggles with alcohol use and depression; where she eventually hits rock bottom. It is not until she starts seeking God through prayer, books, and therapy, where she starts to turn her life around. Life is Beautiful is not only a unique story, but it shows the strength of God's Will. When all hope is lost, she never gives up on God. This story is a true testimony of God's love for His people, and when one seeks a spiritual journey and connection with God; He gives back in love, forgiveness, and happiness.

Death has been around for as long as life, yet when it happens, no one really knows how to deal with death or its consequences. Death should not be treated as a taboo subject instead, individuals must learn the techniques necessary to assist others in coping with such a loss.; In a practical format, this guide shows what to do and what not to do for a person who has suffered the death of a loved one. Using the language of the lay person, the book contains over 100 tips for caregivers or loved ones - a simple step is presented on each page, followed by reasons and instructions for each step.; After these steps are mastered, it will be possible to educate others so that death becomes more familiar and maybe a little easier to deal with.

What if grief, pain, and loss weren't the end of your story but the beginning of a new chapter? When a mother dies abruptly or before their time, daughters are left with an unmet expectation for a future that no longer exists. This Changes Everything revokes the notion that death has the final say and asks the question, what if grief wasn't the end of your story but the beginning of a new chapter? Every life contains a story that holds tragic, soul-defining chapters deemed unfair, but fairness isn't the rule book for the Author of Life, it's reckless all-consuming love. When grief, especially over the loss of a mother, is viewed through the lens of this unending love, this new view can illuminate a calling or purpose for your life which may otherwise remain locked in the darkness of despair. This Changes Everything: When Death No Longer Has the Final Say is based on a true story of hope, healing, and redemption over life's darkest chapters. It will give readers the courage to follow their God-given calling and help them to see that one choice - to believe their pain has a purpose - changes everything. This Changes Everything is a perfect read for: Those grieving the loss of a loved one Mothers, daughters, and mom's raising daughters Those looking to give their pain a purpose. Find out why author Jennifer Dukes Lee calls Sonya Joy Mack's story, "a magical story that will take you on an incredible journey that will keep you guessing until you reach the final pages." Your pain has a purpose and This Changes Everything could be the beginning of your new chapter.

A gentle guide for end of life care aimed at families and caregivers. Caring for the Dying describes a whole new way to approach death and dying. It explores how the dying and their families can bring deep meaning and great comfort to the care given at the end of a life. Created by Henry Fersko-Weiss, the end-of-life doula model is adapted from the work of birth doulas and helps the dying to find meaning in their life, express that meaning in powerful and beautiful legacies, and plan for the final days. The approach calls for around-the-clock vigil care, so the dying person and their family have the emotional and spiritual support they need along with guidance on signs and symptoms of dying. It also covers the work of reprocessing a death with the family afterward and the early work of grieving. Emphasis is placed on the space around the dying person and encourages the use of touch, guided imagery, and ritual during the dying process. Throughout the book Fersko-Weiss tells amazing and encouraging stories of the people he has cared for, as well as stories that come from doulas he has trained and worked with over the years. The guidance provided can help a dying person, their family, and caregivers to transform the dying experience from one of fear and despair into one that is uplifting and even life affirming. You will see death in a new light and gain a different perspective on how to help the dying. It may even change the way you live your life right now.

The 40 short reflections in this book address the ways in which we face the prospect of death and loss. The first 20 reflections are designed to be read by (or to) anyone living with a life-threatening illness; the other 20 are reflections on living with grief, especially bereavement. Each reflection is based on a single story drawn from one of three sources: Dr. Kellehear's professional experience with individuals living with dying or loss; his own experiences and stories from childhood; and the retelling of some of the great myths and legends about life, love, and death, selected from around the world-from Ireland to Japan, from Melanesia to China. The book is written to be accessible to a wide general audience.It can be read from beginning to end like a conventional book; each self-contained piece is also suitable for reading on a bus, train, or plane journey, or before bed at night. Each piece can be selected as a stand-alone meditation for use as a discussion topic in pastoral care, counseling, or sermons. These reflections are stories about how we can make the most of life in the shadow of death and loss. They are designed to instill hope and meaning in the difficult times that can accompany human mortality.

A varied collection of 30 contemporary duologues from Mark Wheeller's plays. Compiled at a time when social distancing is a consideration, these duologues all lend themselves to Zoom/Social Distance friendly performances. It includes duologues from: Too Much Punch For Judy Hard To Swallow Missing Dan Nolan I Love You, Mum - I Promise I Won't Die Game Over ... and many more of Mark's plays... and musicals. It also includes a previously unpublished self-contained short Sibling Saviours. All these duologues are suitable for young people to use for classroom or audition use. Despite many being ostensibly for adult performers they are all tried and tested for young people to use with amazing results. There has never before been a collection of exclusively Mark Wheeller duologues.

Age-old African beliefs about a body that is not the physical body; an ancient Mesopotamian epic with a hidden message about life and death; old Tibetan and Chinese writings on the importance of nothingness; tales of those who have come back from a death-like experience after a heart attack or accident. These, along with what the major faiths tell us about an existence after death, are the focus of this book. The author's search in often unexpected places provides insights into the nature of consciousness after death, the structure of our being, the meaning of time and space and the inevitability of suffering as well as of goodness. Through this book we will be better equipped to come to terms with the deaths of those dear to us, and also with our own death.

In "Making Toast", Roger Rosenblatt shared the story of his family in the days and months after the death of his 38-year-old daughter, Amy. Now, in "Kayak Morning", he offers a personal meditation on grief itself. Everybody grieves he writes. From that terse, melancholy observation emerges a work of art that addresses the universal experience of grief. On a quiet Sunday morning, two and a half years after Amy's death, Roger Rosenblatt heads out in his kayak. He observes: You can't always make your way in the world by moving up; Or down, for that matter; Boats move laterally; and, Boats and water. They are two of the three great levelers. Part elegy, part quest, "Kayak Morning" explores Roger's years as a journalist, the solaces of literature, and the value of solitude as it poignantly reminds us that grief is not apart from life but encompasses it. In recalling to us what we have lost, grief by necessity resurrects what we have had. "Kayak Morning" gracefully articulates the geometry of sorrow, offering readers an unsentimental and deeply moving account of the possibility of redemption in the wake of wrenching loss.

For most of human history, death was a common, ever-present possibility. It didn't matter whether you were five or fifty - every day was a roll of the dice. But now, as medical advances push the boundaries of survival further each year, we have become increasingly detached from the reality of being mortal. So here is a book about the modern experience of mortality - about what it's like to get old and die, how medicine has changed this and how it hasn't, where our ideas about death have gone wrong.

With his trademark mix of perceptiveness and sensitivity, Atul Gawande outlines a story that crosses the globe, as he examines his experiences as a surgeon and those of his patients and family, and learns to accept the limits of what he can do. Never before has aging been such an important topic. The systems that we have put in place to manage our mortality are manifestly failing; but, as Gawande reveals, it doesn't have to be this way.

The ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death, but a good life - all the way to the very end.

Dear Mama, It is me, your broken son. Although the earth’s sorrows dimmed your light from us, I trust heaven has bestowed upon you the glory and dignity you deserve. You and I last spoke in February 2005, five days before you passed away. When you succumbed to your illness – which remains a mystery to this day – I was a mere 13-year-old who not only had to adjust to a new school, but also get used to the reality that you would never live to tell intriguing tales of your childhood. A decade has since passed and as I write you this note I have only heard from you once. You appeared in a dream to reprimand us for the culture of begging which we had adopted shortly after we laid you to your final rest. This is how Ace Moloi starts his book, a letter to his deceased mother. This book, this letter, is an important and necessary look at the state of our country 21 years into our democracy. It is the story of constantly holding your breath, hoping nothing else goes wrong. In a searing and beautiful narrative, Moloi manages to take the reader through various South African issues like: The trials of child-headed families in South Africa; The volatile issue of service delivery in townships; The story of broken families; Why Fees must Fall; Racial division in universities Funny in parts and tragic in others, this is the ultimate South African story.

The terminal diagnosis is given, the knock on the door comes, and someone you love is dying or has just died. Death happens every day, yet as one hospital chaplain said, "Most of the time we just live life as if it isn't an issue until it's in our face."

It's not as if death is a secret. It's on the news and in the newspaper daily, but we don't talk about it very much, almost pretending as if it won't happen to us or our loved ones. But by not talking and not preparing, we make dying and death scarier and more difficult than it needs to be. That is one of the messages that the storytellers in What Obituaries Don't Tell You: Conversations about Life and Death want to impart. Talk and prepare is a theme repeated over and over.

In these stories and interviews you are sure to find people and narratives that are meaningful to you, helping you heal from loss, assuring you that you are not alone in your experiences, and allowing you to find your voice and speak your truth in your own conversations about life and death.

You may also be surprised. Did you know that there is a strong correlation between whether a death is deemed good or bad, easy or difficult, and the relationships in a person's life, including one's relationship to religious or spiritual beliefs?

Whether you are a person who has lost a loved one, a person thinking about your own death and wanting to prepare for it, or a student or professional preparing to or already working with issues of death in any way, you may find that the information that helps you the most is not imparted to you in obituaries but in the stories behind the scenes.

"Homicide Survivors: Misunderstood Grievers" is about families that have faced murder and how they have dealt with the trauma. It offers an interpretation of personal accounts of homicide survivors in order to understand the particular nature of homicide bereavement. The author herself a homicide survivor, Judie Bucholz offers a unique perspective and experiential base for examining the phenomenon of homicide bereavement. Her intent is to help the reader understand the homicide griever's situation both as one who grieves and one who grieves within a social context, as one who confronts horrific death at the personal level as well as at the social level.

The relation between identity and space is strong and generates many conflicts. Most people attach great importance to their local community and its identity. The possibility of change can cause turmoil and become fertile ground for staking new identities. Understanding how these changes can take place is important to the future of community cohesion across the world. This book gives a detailed analysis of how different stakeholders in two Dutch municipalities use and adapt their identity discourses to deal with changing circumstances, situating this work within a wider international context through global comparisons. The growing spatial interdependence and political pressures for municipal cooperation or amalgamation creates not only threats, but also opportunities for stakeholders in local communities to transform their local identities. By studying how local communities attach to local identities, a new conceptual framework can be formed, informed by lively accounts from residents on the rich and varied use of identity in their communities and their concerns over future developments. This is valuable reading for students, scholars and researchers working in geography, politics, sociology and cultural studies.

Dizzy with grief after a shattering breakup, Kristen did what any sensible thirty-nine-year-old woman would do: she fled, abandoning her well-ordered life in metropolitan Boston and impulsively relocating to a college town in North Carolina to start anew with a freshly divorced southerner. Dismissing the neon signs that flashed Rebound Relationship, Kristen was charmed by the host of contrasts with her new beau. He loved hunting and country music, she loved yoga and NPR; he worried about nothing, she worried about everything. The luster of her new romance and small-town lifestyle soon-and predictably-faded, but by then a pregnancy test stick had lit up. As Kristen's belly grew, so did her concern about the bond with her partner-and so did a fierce love for her unborn child. Ready or not, she was about to become a mother. And then, tragedy struck. Poignant and insightful, From the Lake House explores the echoes of rash decisions and ill-fated relationships, the barren and disorienting days an aching mother faces without her baby, and the mysterious healing that can take root while rebuilding a life gutted from loss.