Words of Comfort

The poems and illustrations are very comforting. I received it as a gift when someone near to me died and now I buy it for others...

This wonderful book was given to me after I lost my son during delivery. It has helped me through more "cry days" than I can remember. Of all the the sympathetic gifts and gestures, this is the one that is dearest to my heart. It can't be misinterpreted, tuned-out, or feel compelled to ease my pain. It doesn't worry if I'm okay...it lets me feel the way I feel, whenever that moment may come. I also deal with death every day in my job. I am the Casualty Rep at McClellan AFB, and I buy these books in large quantities with my own money, which I send to my widows and widowers when I sense that profound emptiness and dispair, a heartbreaking,"what now" look in their eyes. I wish I could send them to everyone I assist. I know that it's treasured by those who receive it, even though it's sent by a stranger. The one given to me was from a stranger as well. A wonderful woman I assisted when she lost her husband. She too, had received one, and knew I'd find comfort in its pages. It is as special and sacred to me as the pictures of my Baby Zachary, kept within it's binding.

I found out 2 week ago. My sister-in-law was dying of cancer. Her 57 year old husband and two grown children that adore her will be left behind. I went shopping for something, anything, to give comfort in a time when grief overwhelms, when nothing eases the pain. I picked up Words of Comfort, edited by Helen Exley at a hospital gift shop. I liked the artwork on the cover, roses, some well into their prime, lying by water reflecting their soft colors. The words within were as good as the promise of a fine cover. An ecclectic collection of famous and not so famous authors from the Bible to a 17 year-old boy were intersperced with beautiful color pictures. The non-denominational text and format met all my expectations for the sad gift my husband & I would present to the family. The book is appropriate for any religion (or no religion). These are truly words of comfort for those suffering loss.