I was not sure I would be able to read this book as my own young daughter died last year. I have found great support from other mothers who have also suffered the same loss, so I thought reading a book by an author who has experienced child loss who completely understood how devastating this can be would be helpful. Yes I can relate to Claire, when your child dies, your whole world falls apart, its like being an emotionless robot on autopilot, just existing when the world races by, while inside you are screaming, a living hell of endless torment and tears. Nobody can understand that pain, and when people say "I know how you feel Ive lost my husband, brother, mother etc" NO! its NOT the same actually, this is a child you have created and carried in your womb for 9 months, nobody can understand unless you have experienced it, and this book was great how it described Claires emotions and reactions, how you describe the overwhelming GUILT a mother feels when she outlives her child is spot on. Thank you for making me realise we all go through the same stages, and the guilt we feel is part of that mourning process. Throwing the religion in the mix of the book was interesting for me as a non-believer, I am sure if I was religious I would have lost my faith when my child died, although I did find comfort from a religious aunt when she said my Natalie was not alone in heaven she is with Jesus. Although I dont actually believe, it was a comforting thought that she was not alone. As for the selfish husband putting the church before his family - well I wont even go there as I am sure my thoughts about him in print would get this message banned! So Carys thank you from one mother who lost a child to another for being so brave and sharing those emotions in your book, and to let you know how much it has helped me understand my grief. Thanks!
Bows in tiny baby girls' heads .....