To Live Again

Although this book was written 50 years ago, Catherine is today speaking to the heart of us all. Catherine only 35 when facing the death of her husband Peter at the early age of 46 gives us a glimpse of going on with living after losing a spouse. I myself picked up this book after my husband escaped his 3rd heart attack, which doctor's said would have been fatal. Since my husband's first heart attack in 1981 and by pass surgeries in 1982 & 1993, the doctors did not give us many options this time around. However, a "stent" was put in a vein that was 90% blocked and once again my husband of 46 years has a new lease on life. Notwithstanding, he is still in a serious condtion and I have to try to function normally as well as prepare for the possibility that our final months, years together are more precious then ever. Medical science has come along way since Peter Marshall's death in 1949 especially in the treatment of heart disease. Catherine Marshall brings to light her deep faith in God and shares with us the deep pain and aloneness that treathened her "reason for living". She has one son Peter John and therefore the main reason to heal her grief and go on with her life. Having been left with not many professional skills for work and also not having taking care of many of the finances at home, Catherine was instantly forced to make many decisions for herself and her son. It took time for Catherine to let go and let God into this grief. Catherine was a fighter and managed to accept her role in God's plan for her son's future as well as her own. She took on more challenges and through many months of agony put together her husband Peter's sermons to be published. These sermons were a success and Catherine became immersed in the publishing industry, with all the demands any successful author experiences. She had many speaking engagements and book signing sessions. Catherine being more of a private, solitary person gave it her best and new that God had plans that exceeded all her expectations. She wrote another book the biography of her husband called "A Man Called Peter", A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall which also rose to the best seller list and was later made into a movie with wonderful results. "To Live Again" gives us hope that all is well with the world, that God is in charge and that with God all things are possible.

I first read this years ago and, since then (having endured the grief of losing a brother, both parents, best friend), have shared it with many friends and family over the years. I'm a big fan of the late Catherine Marshall; her writing is superb and her Christian faith amazing. To me this book (and her others) is a classic; a great healer and support during times of enduring pain and relentless grief.

Mainstream Christian people will be very familiar with the name, if not the writings, of Catherine Marshall. Her husband, the great Scottish orator, Rev. Peter Marshall, was Chaplain of the U. S. Senate, and a powerful man of God. He was the light of Catherine's life, and died too soon! When your heart is so broken, the grief so deep, that you cannot eat, cannot smile or stop crying, then this book is for you. I lost my father after a 7 week illness, and ONLY this book, not scripture, not friends, but ONLY this book helped me to understand that I was not alone in the depth of my anguish. My Dad was the only man in my life and today, 18 months later, I still cry daily. But Catherine, who opened up her own wounds to reach out in love and faith to help others, touched me and I began to heal just then. When I was angry at the doctors, this book helped. When I was angry at my family, this book helped. When I was angry at God, this book gave me hope again. You will want to get a copy for yourself and purchase another to have on hand for a friend. Thanks Catherine, I am sure heaven has long since erased your heartache. I look forward to that day too. God bless you dear readers, one and all.

An excellent book on the healing process of grieving after a spouse's death. Includes faith, learning to rely on others, and explains the slow healing of deep grief. Excellent on teaching children how to grieve.