Acknowledgements; Preface; Prologue: Happier Days; 1. Stepping into the Wilderness; 2. The Body Takes a Hit: Shock & Tears; 3. What They Say & Don't Say: Dealing with Others; 4. The Unfinished Puzzle: Why and What-if?; 5. Forever 21: Birthdays, Anniversaries & Memorials; 6. Living the Nightmare: Parenting & Family Life; 7. Grief Holiday: Hallmark Occasions; 8. Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die: Spirituality & the Jewish Year; 9. What is Left: Remembering & Forgetting; 10. Soothing our Grieving Selves: Comfort & Healing; 11. The Hard Stuff: Guilt, Anger, Shame & Forgiveness; 12. Inside Out: Mental States & Mental Illness; 13. Phases and Stages: The Passing of Time; 14. Climbing into the Day: Re-integration & Looking Ahead; Beyond Surviving: Suggestions for Survivors by Iris Bolton; References; Recommended Resources on Suicide & Suicide Loss: A Sampling
Description
'This book is the eloquent story of one mother's efforts to find her way after the death of her son by suicide, from raw numbness to slow sense-making. Unlike most suicide loss survivor narratives, it is helpfully organized around themes and issues that survivors will inevitably encounter, such as the bodily impact of suicide loss and guilt and responsibility. Who should read this book? Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide; any parent who has lost a child (to any cause); anyone who wishes to support a suicide loss survivor; and above all, any and every mother who has lost a child to suicide. It will help you navigate your own painful journey towards peace.'
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'Auerbach's intimate, heart-wrenching story of a mother's grief normalizes the grief experience for other suicide loss survivors and creates awareness regarding complicated grief after sudden death. As you read and experience the searing pain, you are led in the end to the promise of renewal--and to a celebration of life.'
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'What is so special about Auerbach's moving memoir about the suicide of her remarkable son Noah is how he comes across so alive and present. Auerbach is searingly honest, and her observations and practical advice offer hope and comfort to others who are on their own personal journeys of mourning the suicide of their loved ones, especially those with recent loss.'
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'Auerbach faces down her demons after her father's suicide (when she was 26) and her 21-year-old son Noah's suicide (three years ago) to offer survivors this wide-ranging set of extremely helpful tools - conventional therapeutic aids, journaling, faith, yoga and meditation exercises, and thoughtful introspection - for better coping and healing after suicide loss.'
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