When we were at the Jersey Shore a few weeks ago, my mother-in-law handed me the book A GIFT FOR LIFE by Paula L. Taylor. My mother-in-law received this newly self-published book from the author's mother who was her college roommate and has been her close friend for over 40 years. She assured me that it wouldn't take very long to read since it is only 55 pages; but after I skimmed the first few pages of the book, I knew it wasn't something I wanted to read while I was on my vacation. The subject matter is very uncomfortable for me and definitely not my idea of a beach read. A GIFT FOR LIFE is Ms. Taylor's story about how she dealt with the death of her young son from complications due to the flu.I have never read a book like this -- probably because any book dealing with the loss of a young child is very depressing. But it's also because I usually don't pick up "self-help" type books unless I think they relate directly to my life. Having said that, I am glad that I did read the book. It was very enlightening to see how one family coped with such a horrific tragedy; and I felt very uplifted by the author's strength and her ultimate faith in God.
My thoughts while reading this book were that it must have been very therapeutic for the author to organize her thoughts and write this story. I also could tell that she just "had" to share her experiences and her love of God. I truly think she wants to help not only other people who have lost loved ones, but also anyone who is struggling with their faith. I commend her for writing her story and attempting to share her "gift for life" with others!
Wow, that sounds like a tough read. I do know that writing sometimes helps people deal with their grief. I know a family who has been writing a book about their son who they lost on 9/11.
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