First You Die: Learn to Live After The Death Of Your Child

At first I did not believe that I would be able to relate to this mother because her son was a man and my daughter a toddler when they passed, but this book has been so encouraging. While inspirational it is also realistic about the anger, bitterness and uncomfortable feelings and situations that occur after you lose a child. I have only been one of the "other people" for 3 1/2 weeks but this book has helped me to feel normal. Yes, people say stuff that is rude and it is okay to be offended but then you realize that it is all normal. I like her personal perspectives combined with poems and inputs from others. Also, my daughter was my only child and it helped me to relate to someone who cherishes their only pride and joy.

I have not even finished this book yet and can tell you it is so true of the journey of a grieving parent. So well written and mirrors that journey in such a way that only a grieving parent could identify with. Although I must say that if you have a friend or relative who is going through such a tragedy, they should also read it to develop a better understanding of what it is like. Thank you for writing this book. I lost my son 2.5 years ago and though he was not my only child, he was my "only" son. I too fear for my future but reading your book feel the bittersweetness of knowing that I am not the only one with those feelings. God Bless You and all grieving moms.

I sent this book to a friend who lost her only child several years ago. She struggles every day while missing him terribly and the only thing that seems to help is reading about other people who have lost children also. She told me this book was well written and she could personally relate to what she read. I also lost a son many years ago and know reading this kind of book was very comforting to me.

Excellent and beautifully written account on the impact of losing an only child. As a "childless" parent, I search for like-literature in bereavement material. I am often disappointed to find either a couple of lines, or no mention at all on the loss of an only child - or all children. I commend Marie for having the courage to write this book and being the voice of now-childless parents- as she describes the added, and yes, quite different set of circumstances we face in our quest for survival. Thank you for articulating so well all that we are and hope to be.

I WAS VERY MUCH INTERSETED BECAUSE I KNOW PETER VERY WELL AND THE FAMILY TOO. IT IS VERY WELL WRITTEN. I WILL PASS IT ON TOO MY DAUGHTER BECAUSE PETER AND SHE WERE FRIENDS AS KIDS.