They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad

by Patricia A. Nugent

xx, 227 pp. Beginning with her fathers broken hip, the authors transcription of her journal became a series of 300 vignettes portraying the stages of caring for and saying goodbye to a loved one, as seen through the eyes of a daughter and her terminally ill parents. The intense grief of an adult losing a parent needs a stronger voice to be appreciated in our culture, and this book validates the pain that adult parental loss can generate and how long it can linger. Its been called a crying catalyst, enabling readers to more openly express what it feels like to lose, or to be losing, a parent or any loved one. Knowing that we are not alone and that others share our feelings of helplessness, hope, fear or anger is a step toward being able to say goodbye. And realizing that they do live on allows us to keep going after our loved ones have passed.

227 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Story of a local womans journey of taking care of her parents at the end of their lives.

[Rick Hasenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author states, this is, 'A story for each of us who has lost a loved one' This author, Patricia Nugent has provided a very personal account of her experience over a year and a half in which she contributed to the caretaking of and subsequently lost her parents. The feedback from Doctors, Hospice Workers and others from varied walks of life are impressive. Check out www.journalartspress.com to read their comments (click on reviews and testimonials). As Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, Psychotherapist and Host of NPR's, "Voices in the Family" states, "This very human story is one of life and death interwoven beautifully in prose and poetry. It felt like Patricia Nugent took my hand and introducted me to her family, her grieving heart, and her life force. For that I am richer. And I am gradeful." If you've lost a loved one or are in a caretaking or support role to a loved one, there are elements in this book that will profoundly touch your soul.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very poignant short stories of dealing with our aging parents. Stories are strongly written with depth and feeling. A must read for anyone who has lost a parent or is learning to deal with their parents aging.