A Keeper for Dealing with any type of Loss
588617
Timely little book for a time in my life of unexpected loss. Simply, this thoughtful book explain the steps of walking through a period of grief.
299018
Excellent book especially if you have lost a child of any age; A timeless book on lost and adjusting to grief
2246289
Great reading for anyone dealing with loss and not knowing how to ask for help.
4683058
If you have had what you perceive as lose after lose and difficulty dealing with those loses, this book is a great help. It is comforting to know that others have had similar situations for years but now they have come out the other side, stronger and happier. This book has helped me realize I'm not the only one going through years of loss and that I can reconcile it and I will.
2261796
A beautifully written, sincere account of personal loss and survival. The author shares her own personal losses in a way that draws you in to what it is like to lose someone you love dearly at this time of year; yet you do not feel overwhelmed by her personal grief. It has a balance of understanding and practical survival steps that help you to identify where you are, and help you move through the grieving process.

The author has been through so many personal losses and yet found the strength to write about it to help others. This book is a wonderful gift that must be shared.
1943599
This book ws given to me as a gift when my mom died 7 years ago.  It was an amazing comfort during those many months of dealing with my loss.  Since then I have probably purchased a dozen more copies and given them to friends who have lost someone.  I hear again and again how this little book helped them.  I recommend it to anyone grieving for someone they have lost.
3162604
I lost my mom last year following a lengthly illness--my husband and I were her primary caregivers during the last terrible, torturous months of her life.  Since her death, I've had much trouble dealing with the ordeal and with her loss.
Over the past year, I've read a lot about chronic illness, terminal illness, and death--trying to find some sense and understanding of my mother's tragedy.  This book helped me where dozens of others couldn't.
Part of my distress has been a lingering sense of guilt that I could have done more, done things better.  Objectively, I know I gave everything I had.  However, this book helped me examine those emotions, put them in perspective, and hopefully begin to heal.  The following horrible quote describes exactly the shortcomings I saw within myself:
"You could have saved your mother's life.  But you stood by and wouldn't intervene.  I despair for you."
I'm at a loss to explain why this made me feel better--but it did.  This is a glorious novella which has helped me more than I can say--I recommend it highly.  I apologize for the very personal nature of this review.
818530
This lovely little book about loss and survival covers the spectrum from unspeakable sadness to high hilarity. Any woman who has had to deal with the double whammy of aging and losing a beloved partner will find herself, as I found myself, on every page.
4435102
I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who experienced a loss of a loved one.  This book helps explain how we are all connected to the after-life and allows us to maintain contact with those we've loved and loss. I recommend this book to anyone who has lossed a pet, or to someone who is having a hard time explaining death to a young child. What if God were the sun, it's such a simple concept. maybe he is!
1907574
I have lost my amazing, loving, funny and loyal best mates within 1 year of each ones passing. I miss them so dreadfully and was on my knees with sadness.
Thank you for this book. It made it ok to grieve, ok to move on when that time comes and ok for me to share my sadness with friends and family.
Each of us process our losses in our own way, the gift of this book is that the stories provide examples of what might be a better way for me to manage my loss and grief.
1979184
A straightforward, helpful, unpretentious read. Even if you're not in mourning, this book discusses loss of all types: a job, a pet, friends--anything that can plunge you into sadness, anxiety, or anger.
I found the advice practical and calming.
So many self-help books hide their nuggets of good advice in thick layers of padding and hype. This book does NOT do that. That makes it a quick read that gets right to the point.
3116256
If you're looking for a book that delivers on the promise of the title, then this book is for you. I just lost my Yorkie after 14 years. If you are here because you're suffering through unimaginable and unbearable emptiness and grief too, this book will help guide you through the process of loss--or maybe I should say guide you through the journey of grief, mourning, remembering and healing.

The book is a quick and easy read. It's written and structured well. I read the book and worked on all the writing exercises in one evening; however, the book is not just a one-night stand. I plan to keep reading it over again and adding to the journaling exercises I've begun because for me there are no shortcuts through the pain, but this book is a gentle companion through the process.

Wolfelt also uses short anecdotes to help the reader feel connected to others who share similar losses with their beloved pets/companions/family members. He also recommends group support, which I had already begun through an online chat group. It's been very helpful chatting with others who are going through the same journey of pain and loss.

To get the best results, I feel it's important to not just read the book but also to do the exercises as well and as gently as you can without putting too much pressure on yourself. Go at your own pace.

I doesn't matter what type of animal / fish / family member you lost. Wolfelt's book applies to all different kinds of pets/family members.

I've already read several books on pet loss since Cody passed. I'm a bit OCD when it comes to reading and looking for answers through books when problems or issues arise in my life. So far, this has been the best book for me to help me through the grief, mourning  and healing process, and I feel grateful to have found it.
3901186
Everyone experiences death of a loved one at some point. Words of Comfort for Times of Loss is a beautiful book that serves two unique purposes. Liz Allison and Cecil Murphey write from their hearts (and their experiences) and help us know how to respond when someone is grieving. Their stories are practical and useful, yet touch our hearts and comfort our souls. The illustrations by Michael Sparks and actually, the entire packaging of the book, makes a perfect gift to pass along when your own words just don't seem adequate. Thanks for a great resource.
2645874
There are many books that talk about grief, but this book is a practical help and guide for people who find themselves suddenly thrust into the complicated situations that come from the sudden loss of a loved one due to murder or suicide.  It talks plainly about dealing with the legal system,  the police, the media, etc.  I have kept a copy on hand for years and sadly, just had to give one to a friend of mine whose brother was murdered.  She has found it to be eminently helpful in the midst of a confusing and difficult time.
44013
I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye is such a wonderful, wonderful book!  To see my thoughts, actions, and feelings of everything that comes along during the grief of a loved one, particularly one lost by a sudden death.  I was even comforted by carrying it with me for over a year.  Just having it near me helped so that I could read it anytime.  I recently borrowed it to my best friend who just lost her younger sister to suicide and I actually feel very naked without my copy!

My favorite aunt was murdered by my uncle (her husband/my mom's brother) and then he committed suicide.  Trying to deal with it was so hard because I felt there was no one in the world who understood my pain, my fears, my irrational thoughts, "griefbursts", guilt, and that overwhelming feeling of being lost.  This book helped me to find my way, to know that everything I was feeling and thinking was completely normal, and just to see it all in print is such a relief.  I've also lost an uncle to a heart attack, friends to suicide, other friends to vehicle accidents, and also the loss of a grandparent who died of old age; and this book has helped me to accept all those I've lost in the past and to realize that all people grieve differently, that there is no time frame for it and that no one can tell you when you're ready to "move on".  This book gives the griever power to accept what has happened and move through the grieving process and to understand it a little better.

This book teaches you the grief process from just about every point of view possible (parent, child, sibling, friend, etc.), gives you tips on how to cope and memoralize the ones you've lost, advice on where to seek professional help when needed, and the writers tell their own stories of loss and everything they experienced.  I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye mentions the taboos surrounding sudden deaths such as suicide or homicide and lets you know that it's OK to talk about it and that you need to talk about it.

Just an absolutely wonderful book on grief after a sudden death loss.  There are very few out there that will compare to this one, especially since this isn't a book about faith, as many grief books are.  It's a straight-forward grieving process gold mine!  I also purchased the workbook that accompanies this one, however, I did not get around to actually doing it so I don't know if it would be helpful.  For those of you who are comfortable with journaling, the workbook would be an excellent compliment to the text.

Sorry for those of you who are having to look for this, but I am telling you, this is a wonderful book and one of the best out there!
1802124
This would be a great gift for anyone experiencing a loss in the past year. I will take a copy to the hospice where my Mom passed.
2534248
A very comforting read! This book is very helpful for those who are in sorrow.  It is but part of our life to encounter grief especially in times of loss, separation and death.  That is why we need to learn how to cope up with that feeling should we face a loss of a loved one, a friend or family member. This book gives us the necessary steps as well as helpful tips on how we could rise up and overcome grief, sorrow, bereavement, and even depression brought about by a loss of someone or something you hold dear. This will also prepare the hearts of those who haven't experience a loss yet. A useful book indeed!