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Heaven's Child; A true story of family, friends, and strangers
"A pointed, intelligently told story of a family accepting loss gracefully. Such a book on one’s nightstand, particularly if one is in the midst of the grieving process, could offer solace in a way that fiction never could." Kirkus Review
"HEAVEN’S CHILD is a memoir of hope and serenity, of acceptance that “death is a part of life,” that “learning to live and love is a lifelong process and that our greatest gift is today.” The message is inspirational: all we really have in life to hold on to is the bond of love with our family. Death may interrupt the journey, but it can never stop us from completing it." - IndieReader Review, 5 STAR
When Caroline Flohr’s sixteen-year-old twin daughter, Sarah, is killed in an accident involving eight teens taking a mid-night joyride, what’s left behind? And how do you move forward?
An intimate self-examination told through the eyes and heart of Sarah's mother Caroline, Heaven's Child is a magical memoir that teaches us how to surrender to our losses and celebrate the gifts of death while rediscovering life. Tackling deep questions and universal misunderstandings, the story draws readers to journey beside Caroline as she opens the domestic scenes of home, heart, family, and community.
Heaven’s Child provides the solace needed to overcome our greatest losses. The story encourages you to find your life’s purpose and helps you realize that you never journey alone.
The book covers sudden loss; death of a child; relationships within a family; funerals and traditions; doubts, faith and hope; marriages, divorces, and parenting; forgiveness and healing; the power of memories and intuition; inner strength, and the resilience of the human spirit. Heaven’s Child shows us that the grieving process is personal, that it’s not just about death but also about any loss in our life; that grieving is not about endings…but about new beginnings.
"HEAVEN’S CHILD is a memoir of hope and serenity, of acceptance that “death is a part of life,” that “learning to live and love is a lifelong process and that our greatest gift is today.” The message is inspirational: all we really have in life to hold on to is the bond of love with our family. Death may interrupt the journey, but it can never stop us from completing it." - IndieReader Review, 5 STAR
When Caroline Flohr’s sixteen-year-old twin daughter, Sarah, is killed in an accident involving eight teens taking a mid-night joyride, what’s left behind? And how do you move forward?
An intimate self-examination told through the eyes and heart of Sarah's mother Caroline, Heaven's Child is a magical memoir that teaches us how to surrender to our losses and celebrate the gifts of death while rediscovering life. Tackling deep questions and universal misunderstandings, the story draws readers to journey beside Caroline as she opens the domestic scenes of home, heart, family, and community.
Heaven’s Child provides the solace needed to overcome our greatest losses. The story encourages you to find your life’s purpose and helps you realize that you never journey alone.
The book covers sudden loss; death of a child; relationships within a family; funerals and traditions; doubts, faith and hope; marriages, divorces, and parenting; forgiveness and healing; the power of memories and intuition; inner strength, and the resilience of the human spirit. Heaven’s Child shows us that the grieving process is personal, that it’s not just about death but also about any loss in our life; that grieving is not about endings…but about new beginnings.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2012
57 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Flohr
1 book36 followersThe Pacific Northwest has been home since birth. The gray skies and wet days, the Cascade Mountains on one side and the Olympics on the other, summers in the San Juan Islands, and every spring, the cherry blossoms lining the University of Washington campus…I love it here.
But when 14 I left home for boarding school in the Ojai Valley where groves of oranges and avocados became my playground. The fragrance of orange blossoms encouraged me to sit and write, the quickly jotted stories providing calm and comfort, like spending a few minutes with a close friend, a good listener.
Math and sciences did come easy but during my junior year when I received a bright red “D” on my Great Gatsby paper, I promised myself that one day I’d write a book. And that’s when the challenge became a passion.
Well, I must confess to the ultimate no-no. After two years in college, I put it on hold for the brilliance of New York City. But the comforts of Ray’s pizza and Grey’s Papaya hotdogs couldn’t sustain me and the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest kept calling me home. So, with twins in tow, it was time to buckle down and finish my engineering degree at the University of Washington.
Much has happened since those early days propped against the trunk of an orange tree with paper and pen in hand. Three children from a first marriage. Two from a second. A beautiful life on an idyllic island in the middle of Puget Sound. And then the unimaginable happened. Little did I know that ultimately my teenage passion would be my survival during that harrowing period.
Published in July 2012, Heaven's Child tells this story of heartbreak, healing, and redemption.
It's a story that's raw and real, a story that makes you cry, feel, and know a new peace within as you travel your own journey.
Today, you’ll find me sitting in some remote parking lot or propped against a large maple tree with my fingers hammering on the keys of my laptop, squeezing in a few last words before hitting the save button and driving children to the next activity. Being a mother is what I do best. Writing about the real morsels of a mother’s daily life keeps life sane.
But when 14 I left home for boarding school in the Ojai Valley where groves of oranges and avocados became my playground. The fragrance of orange blossoms encouraged me to sit and write, the quickly jotted stories providing calm and comfort, like spending a few minutes with a close friend, a good listener.
Math and sciences did come easy but during my junior year when I received a bright red “D” on my Great Gatsby paper, I promised myself that one day I’d write a book. And that’s when the challenge became a passion.
Well, I must confess to the ultimate no-no. After two years in college, I put it on hold for the brilliance of New York City. But the comforts of Ray’s pizza and Grey’s Papaya hotdogs couldn’t sustain me and the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest kept calling me home. So, with twins in tow, it was time to buckle down and finish my engineering degree at the University of Washington.
Much has happened since those early days propped against the trunk of an orange tree with paper and pen in hand. Three children from a first marriage. Two from a second. A beautiful life on an idyllic island in the middle of Puget Sound. And then the unimaginable happened. Little did I know that ultimately my teenage passion would be my survival during that harrowing period.
Published in July 2012, Heaven's Child tells this story of heartbreak, healing, and redemption.
It's a story that's raw and real, a story that makes you cry, feel, and know a new peace within as you travel your own journey.
Today, you’ll find me sitting in some remote parking lot or propped against a large maple tree with my fingers hammering on the keys of my laptop, squeezing in a few last words before hitting the save button and driving children to the next activity. Being a mother is what I do best. Writing about the real morsels of a mother’s daily life keeps life sane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 9, 2015
First and foremost, I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read this heart-wrenching story when Caroline sent me a copy to review. Secondly, I am so sorry to Caroline and her family for the loss of their daughter, far to soon.
Heaven's child was the story of a mother trying to navigate through her grief after the loss of her 16 year-old daughter Sarah. She must also struggle with the pain of seeing how it personally effected her other 4 children, her husband and her parents/grandparents. She talks about the grievous morning she opened her door to a fireman and police investigator, and the pain that hit Sarah's twin Caiti, who was the last to speak to Sarah before her death. She then describes the girls upbringing as well as some of the family history. She speaks of her other three children; Christopher, Mary and Annie. And finally she tells the story of the accident through Sarah's eyes. A joy ride with 8 teenagers. A 14 year-old driving. Sarah sitting in the lap of a friend. And the fatal end to her life. After many years of searching for a way to move past, but never forget, Sarah's death, each person in the family finds their way out of the tragedy and into a life remembering and cherishing their sister Sarah who now lived in their hearts. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die" -Thomas Campbell This was one of many perfect quotes through out the book.
I think there was one part in particular that stood out to me in this book. In the beginning of the story, after her mother has learned of her death, she goes to Sarah's room. While trying to find anything she can to hold on to her to keep her daughter's life intact, she finds an English class essay she has never read before. The Power of One Personal Narrative. She writes about the years she spent being passed from one house to the next as a troubled teen. Her personality conflicts with her parents and guardians at the time leading hear all over the US, from one family member to another. This is where she found herself. She ends with the sentence, "And now it is time for my story to end, because we have finally reached the beginning." It was a truly beautifully heartening essay.
All in all I found this tragic story to be one with a profound ending. It took a lot of courage to spill such raw emotion and feeling into a book like this. "Don't be afraid to cry it will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts" - Hopi saying, another meaningful quote used in this story. At times it was a little difficult to understand who or what was being talked about without rereading a couple paragraphs. But for the most part it was a touching memoir.
Heaven's child was the story of a mother trying to navigate through her grief after the loss of her 16 year-old daughter Sarah. She must also struggle with the pain of seeing how it personally effected her other 4 children, her husband and her parents/grandparents. She talks about the grievous morning she opened her door to a fireman and police investigator, and the pain that hit Sarah's twin Caiti, who was the last to speak to Sarah before her death. She then describes the girls upbringing as well as some of the family history. She speaks of her other three children; Christopher, Mary and Annie. And finally she tells the story of the accident through Sarah's eyes. A joy ride with 8 teenagers. A 14 year-old driving. Sarah sitting in the lap of a friend. And the fatal end to her life. After many years of searching for a way to move past, but never forget, Sarah's death, each person in the family finds their way out of the tragedy and into a life remembering and cherishing their sister Sarah who now lived in their hearts. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die" -Thomas Campbell This was one of many perfect quotes through out the book.
I think there was one part in particular that stood out to me in this book. In the beginning of the story, after her mother has learned of her death, she goes to Sarah's room. While trying to find anything she can to hold on to her to keep her daughter's life intact, she finds an English class essay she has never read before. The Power of One Personal Narrative. She writes about the years she spent being passed from one house to the next as a troubled teen. Her personality conflicts with her parents and guardians at the time leading hear all over the US, from one family member to another. This is where she found herself. She ends with the sentence, "And now it is time for my story to end, because we have finally reached the beginning." It was a truly beautifully heartening essay.
All in all I found this tragic story to be one with a profound ending. It took a lot of courage to spill such raw emotion and feeling into a book like this. "Don't be afraid to cry it will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts" - Hopi saying, another meaningful quote used in this story. At times it was a little difficult to understand who or what was being talked about without rereading a couple paragraphs. But for the most part it was a touching memoir.
May 11, 2014
I would give this book a 4.5. Heaven's Child,A True Story of family, friends, and strangers. is Written by Caroline Flohr.
This is a heartfelt and heartbreaking book about the loss of a child. This is a hard book to rate on since today is Mother's day. Almost ten years ago Caroline Flohr got the news no parent wants to hear. Her sixteen year old daughter Sarah was killed in an automobile accident. She had been a vehicle that had eight teenagers riding in it. The driver was only fourteen years old. they had been out on a "joy ride" when the the Suv crashed. Sarah was the only teenager that died in the accident.
the Author spends some time talking about her family BEFORE the accident. She married young had identical twin girls in 1988. A boy followed five years later. Caroline and her then husband divorce, and each marry again. She was upfront about the anger the twin girls, Sarah and Caiti felt. they both lashed out were not accepting of the step parents. Sarah and Caiti both spent some time away from their mother and new step dad. Caroline had two more baby girls one year apart..
In August of 2004. Police come to the door to break the news that Sarah has died in an accident.
The rest of the book talks about how devastating the news was to the mom, and family, Sarah had an identical twin Caiti who took a long time to heal over the years. the author breaks down the book to year by year after the accident and the tiny steps they took to get through this horrible tragedy.
this is a very well done book. Caroline Flohr,poured her heart out describing the day to day struggles her family faced. I read this book on my kindle. I would recommend this book highly.
This is a heartfelt and heartbreaking book about the loss of a child. This is a hard book to rate on since today is Mother's day. Almost ten years ago Caroline Flohr got the news no parent wants to hear. Her sixteen year old daughter Sarah was killed in an automobile accident. She had been a vehicle that had eight teenagers riding in it. The driver was only fourteen years old. they had been out on a "joy ride" when the the Suv crashed. Sarah was the only teenager that died in the accident.
the Author spends some time talking about her family BEFORE the accident. She married young had identical twin girls in 1988. A boy followed five years later. Caroline and her then husband divorce, and each marry again. She was upfront about the anger the twin girls, Sarah and Caiti felt. they both lashed out were not accepting of the step parents. Sarah and Caiti both spent some time away from their mother and new step dad. Caroline had two more baby girls one year apart..
In August of 2004. Police come to the door to break the news that Sarah has died in an accident.
The rest of the book talks about how devastating the news was to the mom, and family, Sarah had an identical twin Caiti who took a long time to heal over the years. the author breaks down the book to year by year after the accident and the tiny steps they took to get through this horrible tragedy.
this is a very well done book. Caroline Flohr,poured her heart out describing the day to day struggles her family faced. I read this book on my kindle. I would recommend this book highly.
June 17, 2014
I recieved this book as part of read and review offer, this in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This book was completely different from what I'm used to reading. Mainly because I usually read fiction, not true stories, especially not told from the perspective of a grieving mother. Althought the incident that the story is aimed on did happen some time ago, I truly believe that you never stop grieving, it just gets slightly easier as each year passes. The book itself is an exceptionally emotional journey. From the start till the end you follow with an open mouth, shocked at the pain; Caroline Flohr had to experience and deal with, though luckily not on her own. The story was incredible to say the least and it left me without words on many occassions. I think this book is mainly suitable for those who are able to understand the complex emotions surrounding death, especially that of a loved family member. However it's definitely worth reading, not only because of the intense story but because it's a lesson I feel we all need to hear.
This book was completely different from what I'm used to reading. Mainly because I usually read fiction, not true stories, especially not told from the perspective of a grieving mother. Althought the incident that the story is aimed on did happen some time ago, I truly believe that you never stop grieving, it just gets slightly easier as each year passes. The book itself is an exceptionally emotional journey. From the start till the end you follow with an open mouth, shocked at the pain; Caroline Flohr had to experience and deal with, though luckily not on her own. The story was incredible to say the least and it left me without words on many occassions. I think this book is mainly suitable for those who are able to understand the complex emotions surrounding death, especially that of a loved family member. However it's definitely worth reading, not only because of the intense story but because it's a lesson I feel we all need to hear.
May 10, 2014
I agree with the review that said parents and children age 13 and up should read. One of my sister's was involved in a car accident with minor injuries but reading Heaven's child brought that night and the feelings that I felt when my mom said she was supposed to be home already and the phone ringing just a few minutes later. I felt in every ounce of my being that something had happened to her.
You're book is real and I have recommended to my family members, and the sister who was involved in the accident is a teacher in school so hopefully she can get it in the library. I can only imagine how much hurt you went through while writing the book, but at the same time I hope it also brought some healing. You have done a wonderful thing and I have no doubt that many people will learn how to heal from tragedies that occur in their life. I will read Heaven's Child again at some point in my life, and will continue to recommended it.
You're book is real and I have recommended to my family members, and the sister who was involved in the accident is a teacher in school so hopefully she can get it in the library. I can only imagine how much hurt you went through while writing the book, but at the same time I hope it also brought some healing. You have done a wonderful thing and I have no doubt that many people will learn how to heal from tragedies that occur in their life. I will read Heaven's Child again at some point in my life, and will continue to recommended it.
June 29, 2013
"Heaven's Child" is the story of a family's grieving journey told from a mother's perspective. Sixteen-year-old Sarah tragically dies in a car accident.
I heard Caroline tell part of her story on 11th of April at a Compassionate Friends meeting, went home, downloaded her book that very night and read it cover to cover. Reading "Heaven's Child" proved deeply cathartic for me. My daughter died too. Often you hear people say "I can't imagine what you are going through". Caroline's book helps to understand what it is like to experience the death of a child and the impact on family members.
Caroline writes with an honesty, that at times, took my breath away. She shares the challenges of her divorce and the pain this caused Sarah. Also the impact of Sarah's death, especially on Caiti (Sarah's twin), Christopher (Sarah's young brother) and Caroline her self. I cried for them all.
You have to admire Caroline's ability to get beyond this dark time in her life. Caring for her new baby Annie, with Mary just a year older, trying to be mother to her older children and then struggling to cope with Sarah's death.
If I could wave a magic wand, this book would be read by every child as they start High School and every family member who mourns the loss of a loved one.
I heard Caroline tell part of her story on 11th of April at a Compassionate Friends meeting, went home, downloaded her book that very night and read it cover to cover. Reading "Heaven's Child" proved deeply cathartic for me. My daughter died too. Often you hear people say "I can't imagine what you are going through". Caroline's book helps to understand what it is like to experience the death of a child and the impact on family members.
Caroline writes with an honesty, that at times, took my breath away. She shares the challenges of her divorce and the pain this caused Sarah. Also the impact of Sarah's death, especially on Caiti (Sarah's twin), Christopher (Sarah's young brother) and Caroline her self. I cried for them all.
You have to admire Caroline's ability to get beyond this dark time in her life. Caring for her new baby Annie, with Mary just a year older, trying to be mother to her older children and then struggling to cope with Sarah's death.
If I could wave a magic wand, this book would be read by every child as they start High School and every family member who mourns the loss of a loved one.
May 28, 2013
I truly appreciate this complimentary copy of Heaven's Child by Caroline Flohr. It is a heartwarming, poignant, well-written story of how one family copes with the loss of a loved one. This story reminds us of how precious each moment is that we share with those special to us. For those of us who have lost someone close to us, it also reminds us that there is a time to "let go". We still have those wonderful memories to sustain us. It appears to have been therapeutic and healing to share in this book the reactions and struggles by each family member affected. I hope that teenagers will also realize some important lessons from this book.
April 17, 2014
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read this story!! No matter who you are, but especially all Parents and Tennagers! This was one of the most heartbreaking, yet heartwarming stories I've read in a long time. This is the true story of a mother and family that lost their 16 year old twin daughter. After reading this, I feel like I know this family personally and will most definately do whatever I need to, in order to get this book to as many teens as I can. Thank you Caroline for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your story. God Bless you and the family!
March 19, 2013
A wonderfully honest and open story about the strength of family, love and guardian angels. You can feel the writing was therapeutic and painful at the same time. Thank you Caroline for sharing your family's story.
October 1, 2013
A beautiful book about loss and love and courage.
December 22, 2014
I recieved a free paperback copy from the author in return of an honest review. Thank you Caroline!
The review is on my blog! http://wp.me/p4qnlu-nz
The review is on my blog! http://wp.me/p4qnlu-nz
April 21, 2015
This is helpful in understanding the stages of grief.
May 25, 2014
In Heaven's Child, A true story of family, friends, and strangers, Caroline Flhor describes the tragic death of her daughter, Sarah, in an automobile accident. She describes that moment we all are hardwired to fear - the knock on the door, the ring of the doorbell, the telegram, the middle of the night phone call - the sinking feeling we get when these things happen because we know that something terrible has happened - in her case, two local officials arriving at 5:30 the morning of August 23, 2003, and hearing the words of a firefighter saying words that can never be forgotten: "There's been an accident and Sarah has been killed."
At that moment, Ms. Flhor's life, and those of her family members, changes forever. In a voice that is honest, pure, raw, full of feeling, she describes how she, her husband, her ex-husband, Sarah's grandparents, and each of the surviving children coped (or didn't) in the wake of this tragedy. Certainly time stood still for a while, and when the clock started to tick normally again, all was not right for a long time.
This is a heart-wrenching but ultimately uplifting story of grief and how it changes and transforms us, if we will let it. Sarah was a twin, the mirror image of her sister Caiti, and she had three younger siblings, two of which were under two years old when she died. The grief and heartbreak of her death are told interspersed with the story of her life, parts of which are not revealed to her mother until she finds a personal narrative written by Sarah not too long before she died. Each chapter begins or ends with a timely, moving quotation from a poet or author, quotations carefully chosen and perfectly inserted into Ms. Flhor's personal narrative.
This book was very, very difficult for me to read, because there was a Sarah in my life who died tragically at the age of 18 in a freak automobile accident, fifteen years ago, and every time I read "Sarah" I was catapulted back to the time of my own grief. One of the beautiful quotations in the book is from Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," which was the last play "my" Sarah performed in when in high school. Chills ran up my spine and goosebumps rose on my skin when I read that. When I finished Heaven's Child, I was so overcome that I had to take to my bed, and when I woke up, I burst into tears. While I was overcome by the constant reminders of the Sarah I knew, I think I was even more overcome by the brilliantly written, brutally honest, story that Caroline Flhor tells. Even without a similar personal loss, I think this story would do that to any reader. Ms. Flhor is a gifted writer, and she tells a story that any parent, anyone who has ever loved and lost anyone, can relate to. The circumstances of loss are not what matter: death is a universal truth that touches us all in many ways, and this moving, bluntly honest, story will touch the heart of every reader.
I entered the Goodreads giveaway for this book but did not win; Ms. Flhor graciously asked me to read it in exchange for a review. I am so glad that I met her and her family.
At that moment, Ms. Flhor's life, and those of her family members, changes forever. In a voice that is honest, pure, raw, full of feeling, she describes how she, her husband, her ex-husband, Sarah's grandparents, and each of the surviving children coped (or didn't) in the wake of this tragedy. Certainly time stood still for a while, and when the clock started to tick normally again, all was not right for a long time.
This is a heart-wrenching but ultimately uplifting story of grief and how it changes and transforms us, if we will let it. Sarah was a twin, the mirror image of her sister Caiti, and she had three younger siblings, two of which were under two years old when she died. The grief and heartbreak of her death are told interspersed with the story of her life, parts of which are not revealed to her mother until she finds a personal narrative written by Sarah not too long before she died. Each chapter begins or ends with a timely, moving quotation from a poet or author, quotations carefully chosen and perfectly inserted into Ms. Flhor's personal narrative.
This book was very, very difficult for me to read, because there was a Sarah in my life who died tragically at the age of 18 in a freak automobile accident, fifteen years ago, and every time I read "Sarah" I was catapulted back to the time of my own grief. One of the beautiful quotations in the book is from Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," which was the last play "my" Sarah performed in when in high school. Chills ran up my spine and goosebumps rose on my skin when I read that. When I finished Heaven's Child, I was so overcome that I had to take to my bed, and when I woke up, I burst into tears. While I was overcome by the constant reminders of the Sarah I knew, I think I was even more overcome by the brilliantly written, brutally honest, story that Caroline Flhor tells. Even without a similar personal loss, I think this story would do that to any reader. Ms. Flhor is a gifted writer, and she tells a story that any parent, anyone who has ever loved and lost anyone, can relate to. The circumstances of loss are not what matter: death is a universal truth that touches us all in many ways, and this moving, bluntly honest, story will touch the heart of every reader.
I entered the Goodreads giveaway for this book but did not win; Ms. Flhor graciously asked me to read it in exchange for a review. I am so glad that I met her and her family.
August 18, 2013
Caroline Flohr suffers every parent's worst nightmare when her 16 year old daughter, Sarah, is killed in a car accident. This book details the first five years after that loss, as Flohr and her family move through the loss. Flohr's family includes her husband, Andy, Sarah's twin sister, Caiti, son Christopher, and two younger daughters, Annie and Mary, who will not really remember Sarah, as they were just 1 and 2 when she passed. Andy is not Sarah/Caiti/Christopher's biological father; Flohr's first husband has remarried and lives in another state. Andy is the father of Annie and Mary.
I have not lost a child nor have I even had children, so obviously I can't completely understand what this would feel like. But this tragedy has struck those around me, including my sister. From what I can tell, there are two main paths people seem to take: 1. Grieving without being able to see any beauty in the world again or 2. Grieving, but building a new life out of the new normal and being able to see beauty in the world again.
Flohr falls into the second category. I have seen folks take her to task about how she married Andy, quickly started another family, and how Andy seems ill-suited as the father of teenage girls. Obviously, we can't know the whole story, as Andy didn't write the book and we have one letter from Sarah that talks about how she and Caiti had issues after their parents' divorce. I think that Flohr has suffered enough without people passing judgment on her parenting. Maybe it was good, maybe it wasn't. But she appears to have learned a great deal from a horrible situation.
Some favorite quotes from the book:
*I heard somewhere that you can never get tot the other side of a painful struggle without facing it head-on and going through it - no around, over, or under, but through every hopeless, terrifying moment. (For the record - I have said this many times. You must go through it. If you don't, it will keep coming back.)
*If I could have foreseen the tragedy we were living out, I'd never have encouraged their lives melding together so much. Caiti and Sarah had never been their own persons in that shared lifetime.
*Death happens. Accidents happen. People face tragedy as best they can. I could never know more than that. I can accept that life isn't fair, that bad things happen, that Mother Nature continues of her own accord, without explanation. I don't know if everything is God's will. And I don't hold God responsible for taking Sarah from us. I believe in a God who helps me, not a God who punishes me. And I believe He will never abandon me.
*First: When life isn't good, let truth lead the way. I don't need to hide or be ashamed of my feelings. Life needs to be authentic. Second: Never again would I claim only four children. I had five children, and one of them died. A beautiful child once lived in my home. Now, she lives in my heart. I can still smile and live a joyful life.
I found the story very uplifting. Highly recommend.
I have not lost a child nor have I even had children, so obviously I can't completely understand what this would feel like. But this tragedy has struck those around me, including my sister. From what I can tell, there are two main paths people seem to take: 1. Grieving without being able to see any beauty in the world again or 2. Grieving, but building a new life out of the new normal and being able to see beauty in the world again.
Flohr falls into the second category. I have seen folks take her to task about how she married Andy, quickly started another family, and how Andy seems ill-suited as the father of teenage girls. Obviously, we can't know the whole story, as Andy didn't write the book and we have one letter from Sarah that talks about how she and Caiti had issues after their parents' divorce. I think that Flohr has suffered enough without people passing judgment on her parenting. Maybe it was good, maybe it wasn't. But she appears to have learned a great deal from a horrible situation.
Some favorite quotes from the book:
*I heard somewhere that you can never get tot the other side of a painful struggle without facing it head-on and going through it - no around, over, or under, but through every hopeless, terrifying moment. (For the record - I have said this many times. You must go through it. If you don't, it will keep coming back.)
*If I could have foreseen the tragedy we were living out, I'd never have encouraged their lives melding together so much. Caiti and Sarah had never been their own persons in that shared lifetime.
*Death happens. Accidents happen. People face tragedy as best they can. I could never know more than that. I can accept that life isn't fair, that bad things happen, that Mother Nature continues of her own accord, without explanation. I don't know if everything is God's will. And I don't hold God responsible for taking Sarah from us. I believe in a God who helps me, not a God who punishes me. And I believe He will never abandon me.
*First: When life isn't good, let truth lead the way. I don't need to hide or be ashamed of my feelings. Life needs to be authentic. Second: Never again would I claim only four children. I had five children, and one of them died. A beautiful child once lived in my home. Now, she lives in my heart. I can still smile and live a joyful life.
I found the story very uplifting. Highly recommend.
January 2, 2014
The true story of a parent losing their child and how they learned to live with the loss. Though I have never lost a child, I have lost someone very close to me and I found myself relating to the author as she struggled just to live after this tragic event. Truly a touching book, but don't read without a box of Kleenex close by as it's impossible to not feel as though you are right there living it too. I cannot even imagine the all consuming grief Caroline felt at losing one of her daughters or how the surviving twin daughter felt to lose her other half. This book takes us on a journey with Caroline and into her heart and mind as she faces life without her child and her final acceptance of the events and learning to live her life again. Reading this book will open your eyes and force you to look at life differently. Truly an inspiring story, real raw and emotional, once you begin reading this book, it's near impossible to put it down as you find yourself living her life with her and feeling her pain. Heavens Child is a book everyone should read and I thank the author for sharing this very personal story with us.
May 27, 2013
AN UNFORGETABLE TRUE STORY, HEAVENS CHILD WILL WARM YOUR HEART AND LEAVE YOUR SOUL SEARCHING...
A big-hearted memoir, "Heaven's Child" captures the reader with a profound look inside a mother's courageous journey through grief to her ultimate spiritual renewal. From the exquisite pain of loss to the magical buoyancy of hope, author Caroline Flohr intimately shares her family's struggle and reinvention after the unexpected death of her twin teenage daughter, Sarah.
Finding her way back to joy, Flohr reminds us how we all must learn to live presently, love whole-heartedly and when the time comes, gracefully let go. As young Sarah wisely wrote in her high school homework assignment, even an ending can turn into a new beginning.
This universally touching story is an inspired guide showing us all how the human spirit's innate love and resilience can heal, transform and reignite our soul even after life's most tragic losses.
I give "Heaven's Child a 5 star review...get your copy today!
A big-hearted memoir, "Heaven's Child" captures the reader with a profound look inside a mother's courageous journey through grief to her ultimate spiritual renewal. From the exquisite pain of loss to the magical buoyancy of hope, author Caroline Flohr intimately shares her family's struggle and reinvention after the unexpected death of her twin teenage daughter, Sarah.
Finding her way back to joy, Flohr reminds us how we all must learn to live presently, love whole-heartedly and when the time comes, gracefully let go. As young Sarah wisely wrote in her high school homework assignment, even an ending can turn into a new beginning.
This universally touching story is an inspired guide showing us all how the human spirit's innate love and resilience can heal, transform and reignite our soul even after life's most tragic losses.
I give "Heaven's Child a 5 star review...get your copy today!
June 28, 2014
Thank you Caroline Flohr for a complimentary copy of Heaven's Child. It was well told; heartbreaking, deeply moving and sad, but uplifting also. I cannot imagine what it felt like to lose a child in a freak accident. I understand where you are coming from when you said that you worry when the kids are out at night. I remember watching the clock, my emotions fluctuating between worry and anger because my kids weren't home when they were supposed to be. I thank God that I never had to go through what you did.
Your family suffered a terrible loss and yet, over time (many years,) managed to deal with the heartache, pain, and suffering, to reunite and become a close family. God steps in when our burden becomes too heavy to deal with; we need to keep reaching out to Him. Live and love each day and each other while we still have the time. I admire you for writing this true story; I don't think I could have.
There are lessons to be learned in this touching true story; please read it.
July 1, 2015
This is a mother's story of tragedy and the enduring strength of all the family members. There are six children in all. The child we are referring to as Heaven's Child is a sixteen year old, Sarah. She is the younger twin by two hours. Sarah dies in a car accident driven by kids she did not know. She was hanging out at her friend's house when some other kids arrived and asked them if they wanted to go for a ride and get something to eat. She did not know that the driver was only 14 yrs. old. While speeding down a side street, the driver lost control and ran into a tree. Sarah died instantly. The others were physically hurt and needed doctor's care but survived.
Sarah had parents that cared. She attended a good school and lived in a safe community. Each family member struggled with Sarah's death in a different way. This family was determined to triumph over tragedy. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Like teens across the country, this could strike any family.
Sarah had parents that cared. She attended a good school and lived in a safe community. Each family member struggled with Sarah's death in a different way. This family was determined to triumph over tragedy. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Like teens across the country, this could strike any family.
June 30, 2013
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway, this in no way affects my review.
What a wonderful book. This author lets us into her personal tragedy. There is nothing more devastating than the loss of a child and this mother has weathered that loss. Sarah was 15 when she was killed in an automobile accident. The mother gives us background information on her relationship with Sarah and like other families their relationship was up and down. This book really gives us a view of what it is like to lose a child, how horrible it is and how the family is left with a hole where Sarah should have been. This book opens this family up and while reading it you begin to feel like you are a part of that family and that you feel the loss. I would recommend this book to anyone that has suffered a loss of a child. It is a very good read but be prepared and have your tissues ready.
What a wonderful book. This author lets us into her personal tragedy. There is nothing more devastating than the loss of a child and this mother has weathered that loss. Sarah was 15 when she was killed in an automobile accident. The mother gives us background information on her relationship with Sarah and like other families their relationship was up and down. This book really gives us a view of what it is like to lose a child, how horrible it is and how the family is left with a hole where Sarah should have been. This book opens this family up and while reading it you begin to feel like you are a part of that family and that you feel the loss. I would recommend this book to anyone that has suffered a loss of a child. It is a very good read but be prepared and have your tissues ready.
May 22, 2014
OMG! I was sent a copy of the book and asked to review it. This book had so much emotion and intense. I feel so much for the author and what her family went through. Of course when dealing with teens and divorce you have drama. I really felt a connection with the the girls and wonder about what really happened with Sarah those years she wasn't home. But to get that late night wake up at the door, you could feel Carolyn's world shattering. She may not felt it at the time but she was a lot stronger than she thought and still is. To be able to share their story like this I hope it touches others to hold their children and tell them you love them more often. Keep your eyes open cause even the best kids sometimes make mistakes. Above all follow your instincts. Read this book and share with teens, I think it will save some and have them thinking twice about some choices they make.
April 19, 2014
This giveaway is a must read inspirational memoir that the author graciously offered freely to me to read in PDF format on my iPad. Thank you Caroline very much.This book wrapped itself around my heart, inspiring me to first live in the present each day by loving family and friends richly.. Secondly, this authors honest account of how she and her family journeyed to a place of peace and rest after her teenage daughters tragic death is a story that brings comfort and understanding to anyone who has experienced loss In life. This book is an encouragement to others who are struggling to work through the aftermath of similar tragedies, particularly a loved one's unexpected passing from this life and offers great hope that we are not alone. I loved the family photos and pertinent quotations that the author included in the book. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2014
It only took me two days to read this book, and all I can say is WOW! Caroline does a fantastic job writing this book and it made me feel like I was actually experiencing everything as well. I laughed. I cried. I closed my eyes and remembered lost friends and loved ones. Her emotional journey helped me deal with the loss of my mother-in-law who passed away suddenly. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye or tell her that I loved her, but I know that she is in Heaven, and I'm comforted by that.
I will be promoting Caroline's book on my Facebook and LinkedIn pages as well as suggest the book to my family and friends.
Thank you Caroline for writing this story. I know it must've been a difficult journey for you. I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
I will be promoting Caroline's book on my Facebook and LinkedIn pages as well as suggest the book to my family and friends.
Thank you Caroline for writing this story. I know it must've been a difficult journey for you. I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
December 16, 2014
This book was one of the most touching and honestly written books I have read. Mrs. Flohr had a book giveaway back in the spring that I entered and did not win. However I took interest in the book and decided to email her just to explain to her how I felt drawn to reading the book and would purchase it myself. Not only did she reply to my email, she also sent me a book to read. This act of kindness only furthered my experience while reading the book. The tragic death of her daughter spoke to me to embrace each day that we can, like her daughter seemed to do. I recommend this book to those who feel at a loss for you are not alone, and the peace this book offers is something that will stay with you wherever the journey of life takes you.
May 10, 2014
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. This was a sad story, and I really feel for anyone who loses a child. It is a shame that it was a twin, because the other one left behind takes it so much harder. This was a very good read, and tells how they coped with the death. Each one is different in their own way, and dealt with it differently. But it did not tear the family apart, like it has so many other families. I am so glad they had an inner strength to pull through this, and realized that Sarah was all around them and still with them, even today. I do recommend this book to read!
April 10, 2014
This book is for everyone, not just those who have lost a loved one- although I imagine it would be a great comfort to read this if you are grieving. It's a book that you hope gets casually placed on every teenager's nightstand. It's written in a really clear, compelling style.
In our society, there is much focus (for good reason) on preaching to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. The teens involved in this accident were not drinking. It's just as important that they understand the dangers of reckless, careless, or distracted driving. Reading this book would be a non-preachy way to get that lesson across.
In our society, there is much focus (for good reason) on preaching to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. The teens involved in this accident were not drinking. It's just as important that they understand the dangers of reckless, careless, or distracted driving. Reading this book would be a non-preachy way to get that lesson across.
May 10, 2014
Where do I start? This book completely blindsided me. The story/journey completely brought me in, and I truly felt the author's pain, as she dealt with the loss of her twin daughter. Being a mother of two young children, this made me realize that death happens to all of us and there is nothing one can do. Her journey to deal with the pain and to learn to move forward, but not necessary move on is a great lesson. We all forget or don't realize that the loss of a child stays with us forever. This book gives wonderful insight into the world of loss for a parent. Thank you, Caroline for the great insightful journey.
June 9, 2014
"Heaven's Child" is the real life story of one woman's journey through every mother's nightmare - the death of a child. In this emotional book, the reader is allowed to follow along as a mother tries to deal with the death of one of her twin daughters. As a mother of twin daughters myself, I can easily understand the helplessness this mom feels watching her surviving twin deal with the death of her "other half" and not being able to do anything to help her. The mother's journey through this nightmare eventually leads her to a place of acceptance and peace, and even gratitude for the gifts and lessons learned from this tragedy. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
May 22, 2014
I have never been on such an emotional journey in reading a book. “Heaven’s Child” is such a heart tugger and is very well written. It read as if Caroline and I were sitting across from one another as she unfolding her heartbreaking story. Every word, every experience, every lesson of life was so believable. I devoured it very quickly even with the heart wrenching emotions that tethered through me. I truly hope that this story will continue to help Caroline and any other family experiencing the letting go of a loved one--- because after all they never leave us.
May 19, 2014
This was a heartfelt story of the loss of a teenage child. A Mothers story of heartbreak and grief. The journey to healing from a tragedy. It was well written but a little long. I felt it was more detailed than it needed to be to get her story told. I'm glad I read this book and it may help others who are dealing with the loss of a loved one but I'm not in the same 'Faith Belief' that she portrays so it didn't touch me as I thought it might. Still, it was a good read.
I received this as an e-book, a gift from Caroline Flohr.
I received this as an e-book, a gift from Caroline Flohr.
August 13, 2014
It truly took me forever to read this book because I kept having to set it aside to deal with my own emotional feelings that Caroline poured into this book. I can't imagine the loss of a child. And to be faced with the fact that every day normal people lose their children every day frightens me. I feel like this book makes you want to hug tighter, listen more carefully and love harder to any of those that you love. Thank you Caroline for the opportunity to read this book. Thank you for sharing your story.
November 10, 2014
This a book you should read and have at least one on hand to give away just in case someone you know experiences the loss of a child. It deals with the sudden death of one of a set of teenaged twins in an a intruding car accident and the family's dealing with grief and subsequent healing. Be sure to have Kleenex handy, but in the end you will feel acceptance and peace.
The author and I exchanged emails and I had the blessing of gifting her with a painting of her twins at age three which was included in the book...a poignant experience for both of us.
The author and I exchanged emails and I had the blessing of gifting her with a painting of her twins at age three which was included in the book...a poignant experience for both of us.
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