Tracks of a Fellow Struggler: Living and Growing Through Grief

Much is available for those suffering loss of a loved one, whether the loss is sudden/recent, or one is still hurting after years of pain. The author, John Claypool, deals with the loss of his young daughter, Laura Lue. She was under 10 years old, and was stricken with acute leukemia. He was a pastor who continued his ministry at his church through the terrible days of his little girl's struggle and subsequent death. His messages, from her initial diagnosis until after her death were the story of so many parents and loved ones. Forced to deal with the pain of dashed hope, or failed treatments, they often ride a roller coaster of expectation followed by setbacks and disappointment. It's a Darkness that moves closer and closer as one deals with fear of what is ahead, that their loved one will be setting out on a journey that you cannot accompany them on. The road that Claypool traveled is one those who grieve will travel, and the the "Tracks" he left can help one as they are challenged by wondering if God cares, or if He even exists! In this little volume he lays out the basis for hope, followed by how one must be strong, really strong as we see that Life is really a "Gift". And the One who gives this gift is the Source of everything, past and future. Claypool's journey may sound like yours, if you find yourself dealing with a loss. Or even if it's a loss that still hurts after years have passed. His journey is not finished, but as the subtitle reads, one can continue "Living and Growing through Grief".

John Claypool's honest about his pain after the death of his daughter. From the pulpit he does his congregation a favor by sharing his anguish with them, not hiding from it or trying to sugar-coat it. With Claypool's freedom to show his honest feelings, others who are forced onto the same parental bereavement path after the death of a child, can learn that "strugglers making tracks," need to be "given permission" to freely grieve. Congregations everywhere should have this book as required reading. How much more effective and kind (and Christ-like)we can all be when we understand a parent's broken heart. A friend sent Claypool's book to me shortly after the death of my own son and I have found the writing to be just what I needed.

Following the death of our 39 year old daughter I was having trouble sleeping. However, the night I read this book I was overcome with a sense of peace and slept like a baby. John Claypool is a master of words, scripture and emotions ... pulling them together in a wonderfully readable manner. This is a "must read" for grieving parents. Rev. Claypool has given us a great gift which has grown out of his own personal pain.

My Jewish friend gave me Claypool's book when I lost my 29 year old son to a sudden heart attack. There is no hierarchy to pain over death of a loved one. This book can relate to all who suffer the pain of loss, but,especially the loss of a child. Learning to be grateful for the time we did have together has helped my husband and me. This book was simply written, but from the heart. I want to have one ready to give anyone who loses a child.

I was asked to teach a couples class for my Sunday School more than 15 years ago. I had not lost any relatives and didn't have a clue on the topic : Death and Dying. I wandered a book store and found this book: 4 sermons by Dr. Claypool that dealt with death, pain, and moving on. I read each sermon each week for four weeks, and at the end, the entire class wanted to buy the book. Many told me that it was the first thing they had ever read that helped them through the grief. When my own father-in-law died the next year, I found my classmates words to be true. The premise of the book, that the God that gives life is still there after the life is over, is very comforting. I buy this book and give it to friends who are suffering through the death of a close friend or relative. I cannot recommend anything more. This book is very spiritual, but a basic belief in God is all that is required to benefit from reading it.

I have read several times. I have also given this book to many friends who were struggling with grief. The reaction has always been the same..."This a really good book, that really helps." I believe that the reason the book is helpful is in the title of the book "Tracks of a Fellow Struggler." The author allows the reader to see the his grief and pain, but the reader is also allowed to see the final outcome. I would recommend this book to anyone who is him/herself struggling with grief or wants to help someone struggling with grief.