From Despair to Hope Survival Guide for Bereaved Parents

This is a must have book for every newly bereaved parent. Written by a mother who lost a son, the book offers help, hope and guidance to those facing the crippling emotions that come with the loss of a child of any age. The author combines suggestions gained from personal experience as well as advice from other parents and experts in their fields. This helpful information is presented in an easy to follow self-help format. The book includes how to handle challenging issues such as marriage, younger children, and special days. The difficult circumstance of suicide is discussed, including how to help siblings after the tragedy.Twenty-six short, concise chapters offer help to parents as they traverse the early period of crippling grief. The benefits of crying, meditating, exercise, God/faith, grief groups, journaling, counseling, travel, psychics, and volunteering are all included. This easy-to-follow, self-help guide gives many suggestions enabling bereaved parents to rise above grief and find joy in their life again. Also included, and unique to this book, is a section on after-death communications, demystifying them, and verifying that they can be a source of tremendous solace and hope to any grieving parent. Numerous examples from the author, as well as other bereaved parents, show that we can still have a connection with our beloved child.

Linda Zelik's world was forever changed with the sudden death of her 24-year-old son in 2010. She is grateful for the support of The Compassionate Friends and is currently a facilitator with the South Bay/LA Chapter. She wrote the book to assist other bereaved parents in managing their grief. She also gives examples to help parents recognize after-death communications from their child.Linda is a USC graduate and retired Occupational Therapist. She resides in Southern California with her husband.