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BLINDSIDED TO BLESSED: My Family's Journey from Teen Suicide to Finding a Purpose
“The girls are worried about Lauren. She’s saying things that are scaring them.” These two text messages from my best friends began a chain of events that led to us being blindsided by suicide. Our 14-year-old daughter made her attempt at ending her life in our bedroom and succumbed to her injuries seven hours later. My bright, beautiful, talented, brave, funny, and serious daughter was gone. No one saw it coming. First, came the questions-- What if I hadn’t gotten upset with her that morning? What signs did I miss? How would we ever be the same? Why did this happen? When did things go wrong? Then, the regrets. If only I had heeded their warning sooner. If only I had skipped the shopping trip and stayed home. If only I had seen the signs. But what if there wasn’t a sign to be seen? We were simply blindsided. During the first year of grief, my husband, 19-year-old daughter and I took on a “new normal” with the help and support of our family and friends and a renewed faith in God. From the first posts on Facebook and texts from family and friends, we felt blessed beyond measure. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isiah 41:10 In this book, I share with you my story of survival through finding a purpose in our daughter’s life and death. Almost immediately I knew that this book would be written to both heal me but also give other survivors of suicide loss reassurance that they too, will be okay. From writing a poem to developing a scholarship to raising awareness--we found our purpose in the grief. And I hope my readers will find their purpose, too.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2021
23 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 7, 2021
The Caster family shares their walk in grief to purpose in Lauren’s life. Honest, vulnerable and gripping. I admire the Caster family’s faith and strength and choice to share their experience in hopes that it speaks to others in their own healing. Such a brave thing to do.
February 7, 2021
Touched my heart.
I was blessed with the opportunity to read Heather’s book. I thought I was ready. Clearly my heart wasn’t prepared, but every word she wrote hit me in every single feel I had. I laughed remembering barn time, I cried and relived what was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through as the parent of a teenager. It offered some closure and peace that I honestly didn’t realize we needed. I have never been more proud of a friend to so bravely and boldly share her family’s story. Heather. Thank you so much for being so authentic and real. I am truly grateful for you. I am also so encouraged with how you’ve grown in your faith ❤️
Friends...if you get the chance, please read this.
I was blessed with the opportunity to read Heather’s book. I thought I was ready. Clearly my heart wasn’t prepared, but every word she wrote hit me in every single feel I had. I laughed remembering barn time, I cried and relived what was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through as the parent of a teenager. It offered some closure and peace that I honestly didn’t realize we needed. I have never been more proud of a friend to so bravely and boldly share her family’s story. Heather. Thank you so much for being so authentic and real. I am truly grateful for you. I am also so encouraged with how you’ve grown in your faith ❤️
Friends...if you get the chance, please read this.
February 5, 2021
Heather's book is a true testament to other parents, families and friends of how losing a loved one by suicide is so devastating. What they've done to be purposeful in the lives of others by focusing on Lauren's life in helping to support others is remarkable! They have turned a tragedy into strength, hope, faith and love in overcoming the grief in the loss of their daughter. As difficult as this journey has been, they have acknowledged and so appreciate the many blessings received in the past two years. I hope you will read Heather's book and really "Live Like Lauren" and "Be More for Someone".
December 13, 2022
Heartbreaking
This was a heartbreaking read, but I was happy to see that the family and friends found some positivity in such a tragedy.
This was a heartbreaking read, but I was happy to see that the family and friends found some positivity in such a tragedy.
February 27, 2021
Heather’s boldness and transparency in sharing Lauren’s story and their family’s story is going to bring comfort to so many people I’m sure it already has! The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort;, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may be able to comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive rom God.
The book is so well written and so honest. All parents should read this book. Thanks, Heather for being brave enough to share your story and your faith! I’m not sure how anyone can get through something like this without God!
The book is so well written and so honest. All parents should read this book. Thanks, Heather for being brave enough to share your story and your faith! I’m not sure how anyone can get through something like this without God!
September 15, 2022
A simply remarkable sharing of a parent’s worst moment, to find your child has left you. Literally. I have to say that I am pleased that mental health (aka brain health as Heather put it) has been brought to the surface. The stigma, the fear, embarrassment, hesitancy, all of it, are fading as the topic becomes something to talk about and deal with. Not only is this book a testimony of faith, it provides a blanket of comfort. After meeting Heather I can say how much in awe I was at her down to earth, frank ability to share Lauren’s story. This book is a tribute to Lauren, her family, friends and community, wrapped in love.
February 9, 2021
Such a beautiful and important book. Thank you Heather for being brave and writing this. It really touched my heart.
February 11, 2021
Inspired
Heather’s book is like nothing I have read before. She has taken a parents worst nightmare and turned it into a source of hope for those grieving. She inspires all of us to “Be More” for our own children, families, friends and strangers we come in contact with.
Heather’s book is like nothing I have read before. She has taken a parents worst nightmare and turned it into a source of hope for those grieving. She inspires all of us to “Be More” for our own children, families, friends and strangers we come in contact with.
February 10, 2021
This book is so much more than a memoir of a grieving family dealing with suicide. It is a beautiful testament to resilience, the power of friendship and listening to God’s call in all of lives.
February 23, 2021
Highly recommended read! This family is a real inspiration and tribute to their beautiful daughter. Well written
February 28, 2021
Amazing
Heartfelt and true. Tears shed, my family is Northwest community members and this touched all of us one way or another.
Heartfelt and true. Tears shed, my family is Northwest community members and this touched all of us one way or another.
March 19, 2021
We should all learn to be more for somebody.
February 14, 2023
Amazing story about coping with Suicide
February 14, 2022
Touching and gut wrenching
Truly amazing how this mother navigates grief and turns into something positive. Sending love to Heather and her entire family.
Truly amazing how this mother navigates grief and turns into something positive. Sending love to Heather and her entire family.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews