Life Came to a Standstill: True Accounts of Loss, Love, and Hope

by Gwendolyn Broadmore

How does a parent live through the death of a child? This profound and poignant compilation of the courageous personal journeys of seven grieving mothers and one grieving sister offers a road map of how to cope with the anguish of traumatic, unexpected loss-giving inspiration for continuing to live.

Each narrative lovingly remembers the deceased, honestly conveys the shock of death, and details the grief work that the survivors-and their extended family members-have done to move toward healing and make a new life without their loved one. Though these are stories of painful loss, they are also inspiring accounts of strength, hope, and love, lighting the way from the darkest sorrow to the first shimmer of hope.

An extensive addendum includes helpful supplementary material with valuable professional insights-guidance to help you navigate, when your once familiar world feels like an alien landscape.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

228 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2017

About the author

Gwendolyn Broadmore lives in Ontario with her husband and their opinionated parrot Blue.
The sudden, violent death of her son, Liam, as well as the stories of the countless bereaved parents
who have shared their pain with her, inspired this book.
In the early days of her grief, Gwen found
that reading the stories of others carried and consoled her. She hopes "Life Came to a Standstill" will likewise provide validation and encouragement to those who may struggle with the deep anguish of
sorrow and the loneliness of loss.
Gwen’s first publication, Grief and the Courts, a not-for-profit booklet resource for surviving victims of violent crime, is available online.

Contributing Writers: Carol Reid-LeClair, Helen Jay, Janet Rice, Beverley Ogus, Kathleen Stevens,
Susan Massey, and Marjorie Suzanne (Suzy) Richardson have been invaluable to the creation and breadth of "Life Came to a Standstill."
With candour and courage, each has revisited the “early days” of her grief journey—intimately revealing both the trauma and anguish of loss. Then, with a unique voice, each has shared how she managed to cope, ultimately, communicating a warm promise of hope.

Reviews

[Bonnie Borchardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Came to a Standstill is a poignant, difficult but great read for those who have experienced loss of a loved one or those who are supporting them. It is beautiful portrayal of the journey from the deep shock and pain of grief through to strength and healing, and ministering to others from what they themselves have experienced. My dear friend Helen Jay wrote of her amazing son Adrian who in his too short journey here left a profound mark on our world and those who knew and loved him. We walked our grief walk together and she is a support to me even in her own journey.

I loved the "poem break" and the Addendum of resources for self help and Counselors. As a Chaplain and Marriage and Family Therapist I walk through loss and grief with many families and this book will become an integral part of my library of resources to share. I am also taking it with me to Zambia where we teach and bring resources to IWAWA who support those whose lives are impacted by HIV-AIDS. Thank you Gwendolyn, Helen and all who had the courage to share your deepest feelings.

[William LeClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Came to a Standstill details eight poignant stories about love, loss and hope after the painful loss of a loved one. Life Came to a Standstill follows the journey of the eight authors and how to maneuver the pain of grief after losing a loved one and find a path to a different life after their loss. I highly recommend Life Came to a Standstill to anyone who has lost a loved one. Great read.

[misty campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read - excellent author , was a privilege to get to read 🥰

[Huong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that came to me within a few months after my mom's passing. It is comforting to see other people going out of the darkest days. All the stories are about death out of the order of life. Conventionally, the order of life means the death of old age which implies a "normal" life expectancy. Life expectancy depends on multiple conditions that one is born with or into and one would normally be expected to reach a certain age when they die depending on their demographic details. However, it will be affected by the lifestyle one chooses, i.e. whether they lead a dangerous career such as being a firefighter or enjoy dangerous sports. So, how's about not measuring the order of life by year but by values. Everyone wants more time with their loved ones but focusing on the years would deliver a sense of regret, which might not help much with grief work.

I totally agree with the general idea that we should pay more attention to the good memories and less to things that could have been different.

[Diana Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a morbid obsession with the deaths of children. My brother died when I was a child. Now, as a mother myself, I am terrified of losing one of my children and in awe of my parents who somehow managed to live the rest of their lives to the best of their abilities.
These 7 stories were just heartbreaking. The moments when they discovered their child was gone. How to continue.
All of these parents received help from bereaved parents groups. Were these even around in 1976? All I know is my parents suffered alone. I wonder if they would have helped.
I remember thinking, as my parents grieved, "but I'm still here. Do I not matter"? and feeling so guilty over thinking that. This was brought up in one of the stories. The common threads were eye opening yet at the same time not surprising at all
It isnt easy reading. But I sure want to rush home right now and hug my children tight

[Helen Sanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

individual stories of parents that have had their children die before them--some accidents, some murder, some suicide. When you have a child die--regardless of the circumstances; their are many emotions; as in any other form of grief; but death coming out of the normal sequence has a different type of grieving--how unfair--as a parent our job is to protect our children--how did I not protect my child, I should have. The stories are well written and helpful when trying to deal with this type of death

[Deb Gripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a valuable resource for parents who have lost a child and also the people who support those parents. The book is written by seven parents and one sister who have suffered the devastating loss of a child or sibling. The grief journeys are all different and in the end hopeful. It is clear that people do not get over a loss of this magnitude, but these parents (and sibling) have found a way to navigate through the darkness and find a different life to live in the light.

[Lori Sills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life came to a Standstill is a difficult but great read. Eight authors take you on a journey into the pain and grief after losing a loved one. Although each story is very sad, you're taken on a path as to how each author dealt with losing a child or sibling. Each author brings you through their darkness, pain and grief and how they maneuvered to find a different life to cope with their loss. This is a must read to anyone who has experienced this deep pain.

[Karen Destun · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories carry important meaning for anyone who is grieving the loss of their child. Grief becomes a part of you, as your love for your child can never be taken away, you live with the love and the grief. Your journey is your own, one that can be inched along with the help of others who have had to do the same.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the from seven bereaved moms and one sibling. It shows us their continuing journey from the harsh realities of their loved one, telling how they were forced to learn how to cope with unending loss.
It is an inspiring, albeit painful read of living as survivors.

[Jackie Vega · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have ever lost a loved one, this book will allow you to commiserate with others who have lost loved ones and know that pain.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful book on grieving and loss.

this was a goodreads giveaway

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never could imagine the pain a parent would feel when losing a child, but this book really brought me closer to such emotions. Foundational and encouraging advice!

[Huong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read for me as I was gifted the book right around the time my mom passed.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I havs finished reading Life Came to a Standstill (True accounts of ss, love and hope) by Gwendolyn Broadmore. Poignant true stories by seven mothers and one sister about their loss of a child (sister) and how they coped with their losses. A handy appendix at the end of the book to help find resources in coping with grief.