A practical guide for coping with the loss of a parent, this book was written by a journalist who has lost both. Edward Myers makes it clear that no matter how old we are, the death of a parent can be devastating, evoking intense and complex feelings that have long-lasting implications. Comprised of advice from therapists, practices for self-help groups and first-person accounts, Myers covers the grieving process and differentiates between the impact of sudden death and slow decline. He also offers advice for funeral planning, dividing personal property and resolving feelings such as guilt, shame and isolation.


From Library Journal
"One of the situations you face in grieving for a parent is the likelihood that some people will treat it as a non-event"; well-meaning friends will commonly "ask `how's your mother taking it?' but nothing about how you feel" writes Myers, a free-lance journalist who has experienced the death of both parents as an adult. Relying primarily on interviews and questionnaires, the author covers the grieving process, the difference in impact of sudden death versus slow decline, and some of the practical and emotional issues involved in planning the funeral, dividing personal property, and resolving residual feelings. Although not comprehensive, this book is recommended as a resource for further reading and/or for guidance from social service agencies and as a validation of grief upon losing one's parentsat any age. Suzanne Druehl, Little Rock P.L., Ark .Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Library Journal
Although not comprehensive, this book is recommended as a resource for further reading and/or for guidance from social service agencies and as a validation of grief upon losing one's parents--at any age.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this sensitive guide, Edward Myers offers sensible, compassionate advice to those coping with the death of a parent. He explores the complex feelings adult sons and daughters experience when a parent dies, whether the death follows a long illness, or is sudden, including the special issues raised by a murder or suicide. He discusses the psychological responses to a parent's death, such as shock, depression, and guilt, and offers suggestions on how to cope and overcome these responses. Practical matters, such as dealing with funerals and estates are also discussed, and a resource guide offers information on support groups, counseling, and additional reading.