I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One

Rating:
Summary: A recent reader
Review: While reading the various first-hand accounts was helpful at times, I found myself put off by the author's frequent references to mediums, psychics, and "dream communication." I realize some people believe in this kind of stuff, but for me personally its just another form of escapism, and right now I'm trying to get back on track after the devastating loss of my mother. I don't think its helpful to try to convince myself that I can somehow communicate with her again. My dreams of my mother are my mind dealing with this loss, and I can welcome them and appreciate them without turning it into some delusion of actual contact with the "afterlife." That said, there was comfort to be taken from the stories of the losses experienced by others. It was good to be reminded that I'm not the only one going thru this, and I'm not crazy, just going thru a natural grieving process. I'm not sorry I read this book, but perhaps I would have checked it out from the library, as opposed to purchasing it. Surprisingly, the book I'm benefitting the most from is "Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Its not specifically geared to healing after the loss of a loved one, but the techniques and philosophy are applicable and beneficial.

Rating:
Summary: Some helpful stories, but a little "out there" for my taste
Review: While reading the various first-hand accounts was helpful at times, I found myself put off by the author's frequent references to mediums, psychics, and "dream communication." I realize some people believe in this kind of stuff, but for me personally its just another form of escapism, and right now I'm trying to get back on track after the devastating loss of my mother. I don't think its helpful to try to convince myself that I can somehow communicate with her again. My dreams of my mother are my mind dealing with this loss, and I can welcome them and appreciate them without turning it into some delusion of actual contact with the "afterlife." That said, there was comfort to be taken from the stories of the losses experienced by others. It was good to be reminded that I'm not the only one going thru this, and I'm not crazy, just going thru a natural grieving process. I'm not sorry I read this book, but perhaps I would have checked it out from the library, as opposed to purchasing it. Surprisingly, the book I'm benefitting the most from is "Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Its not specifically geared to healing after the loss of a loved one, but the techniques and philosophy are applicable and beneficial.