A Guide for Parents Navigating Loss

What's 'You Gotta Get Up' all about? I like to think of it as a guide for any parent who has had the misfortune of recently losing a child. It is the book that I wish someone had handed to me when my son died 14 years ago. It's a lonely and scary feeling for the newly bereaved parent and, at the beginning, most of us are sure we will never survive this catastrophe. I know the feeling and I offer a hand at this early stage of the journey...to give you some idea of what to expect on the road ahead. Even though this journey is unique to everyone, there are some common signposts to look out for and so, I share my experiences, as well as the latest in grief theory in a way that says, 'You're not going crazy. Others have experienced the exact same feelings. Here is what I found worked for me, here's what worked for others. See what works for you'.

But most importantly, I think, is the accounts of myself and other parents who are still standing, and who can serve as an inspiration that there is life after this great pain. 'But first', I tell my reader, 'You Gotta Get Up'.

I will try to blog a bit about my own story, in the hope that it might be useful to others. I hope to hear from you and eventually be able to create a community of mutual support and friendship.