Nine mothers share candid stories about their experiences losing young adult children in this collection for bereaved parents.

Now revised, featuring a new chapter written from the perspective of surviving siblings.

"[An] eloquent volume. . . . Bereaved parents will find comfort, sympathy and support in this powerful, honest sharing of one of life's most painful experiences." —Publishers Weekly

The death of a child is that unimaginable loss no parent ever expects to face. Only those who have lived through it themselves can fully comprehend it. In Beyond Tears, nine mothers whose children died as young adults lend comfort and direction to other bereaved parents in a chorus of supportive voices. They candidly share what to expect in the first year and long beyond:

*Once-harmonious relationships can become strained

*There is a new definition of what one considers "normal"

*The question "how many children do you have?" can be devastating

*Mothers and fathers mourn and cope differently

*Surviving siblings grieve and suffer as well

*There simply is no answer to the question "Why?"

The act of sharing itself is cathartic, and because these mothers lost their children more than seven years ago, they are in a unique position to provide perspective on what newly bereaved parents can expect to feel. There comes a time when a grieving parent wonders if the cloud will ever lift and life will ever return to normal. The mothers of Beyond Tears reassure you that the clouds do lessen with time and that you do find a way to survive. Life will be forever changed, but you can learn to live and even laugh again.

"The thoughts and feelings related here are incredibly honest and courageous and would greatly assist any parent who has lost a child and feels alone. Highly recommended." —Library Journal (starred review)

"[ Beyond Tears] lets readers know that there are folks out there who have been in their shoes, felt their feelings and learned to live life again." —The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)