Beyond Endurance

I first read this book in 1985 when my best friend committed suicide. I was combing the library shelves for something that was not a bunch of crap about how I wasn't supposed to feel guilty, etc. Well, this book was the one book that actually said something real about grief. Unfortunately, I had several friends have children die and I gave them this book. All of them commented on how much it helped them. I gave my copy away at some point and am so glad it is back in print. My father died last summer and this is the book I need. I recommend it to anyone who is facing grief. The material is real, not a bunch of greeting card junk strung together.

It has been seven months since my mother and oldest son were killed in an automobile accident. It has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. This book offered a tremendous amount of practical advice. At times he was a little technical and wordy, but overall, this book helped me so much, and I believe it will help others who have lost a child.

This book helped me more than anything I was able to do when our 18 year old son died in an accident 1985. The author, Ronald Knapp, wisely covers a broad range of circumstances and gives a clear and compassionate set of guidelines for those who mourn or those who wish to help mourners when a child dies, regardless of the circumstances or their values and beliefs. I will always remain grateful to him for writing the book, and I deeply regret that it is out of print. I loaned my copy to a friend several years ago, and it has since been passed on to many. Now I need another copy, for it is a book that will always remain helpful and timely!

In 1983 I lost 4 members of my family in a fire. After reading just about everything on the subject of death and dying, grief, and survival this was the only book that really spoke to me. Over the years I have loaned it to several family members and friends who have lost a child and everyone has had the same response. It's a terrible shame this book is out of print.

My 19-year old son was accidently electrocuted on May 2, 1986. I felt that the 155+ familes who were quoted in Mr. Knapp's book were talking directly to us, counseling my wife and I on how to cope with our tragedy. Ronald J. Knapp's "Beyond Endurace: When a Child Dies" helped my family endure the unendurable. I thank him publicly here for writing his book. I gave copies to other families in my community who also lost a child.