When You Lose a Loved One

HELEN STEINER RICE - My grandmother gave me a book of Helen Steiner Rice's poems in my late teen years and I loved it. I had no idea how respected Helen Steiner Rice was until I looked for another book years later. WHAT TO SAY - When I had lost a loved one many people said the wrong thing to me. I did not get offended because I knew their intent was good they just didn't know what to say and in their efforts choose unwisely. What do you say to someone when they loose a loved one? It is so difficult. I think saying things such as - I'm sorry for your loss or I'll be praying for you and your family...or I hope your memories of ______ will get you through this difficult time can be appropriate (assuming that you know that they have good memories). RECIPIENT - When you loose a loved one you walk around in a daze of hurt and tremenduous loss. If you think the grieving person/recipient believes in God then I think this book could be a comfort and blessing to him/her. It is writen with love and care. I think it is better than flowers or a card. It may be the best thing you can do for him/her. Some people come back to God at a time of loss. However, if the recipient is not a believer or open to God then I would NOT purchase this book. I would also NOT purchase this book if the deceased person was against God. CONCLUSION - This book could be used as a healing tool if given appropriately. It could be used privately and during the funeral too. One person I gave this book to found a poem that she shared during the funeral. I have given this book to a: pastor, neighbor and co-worker. All appreciated it. I keep an extra copy on hand to give when appropriate.

I discovered this book 25 years ago when my husband passed away. It was very comforting to me and I have given many many copies away since to other grieving families. It is a small gesture that lasts much longer than flowers or a card.

I was given this book by a friend in 1984 when my grandmother died. I did not read it then. But, when my father died in 1994, I finally picked this book up and read it. The revised version (which you can purchase now with the additional poems, etc.) is even better than the old version I received in 1984. It's tremendous and very spiritually uplifting and healing when you have just lost a loved one. I now send a copy along with a sympathy card to all of my close friends and family members who "Lose A Loved One." I've mailed two of these books (in the last five months) to friends of mine who lost a parent. I highly recommend it!

After the death of our 16 yr old daughter we were given many books to read and groups to join for comfort. Out of 8 books that we read only this one "When you lose a loved one" by Charles Allen offered us comfort and peace. I have shared this book with the newly bereaved and the feedback is always "thank you, it really helped me". No book will ever take away the pain but this book gave me an inner peace that helped me to go forward as a christian. I have recommended this book to Compassionate Friends in our area in California and they have also had positive feedback. M.Burrin

My father passed away on November 2 and my mother, on November 4. They lived long, productive lives, but I miss them very much. The above book has given me comfort during this difficult time. I recommend it to everyone, before or after losing a loved one.