The most relatable book I’ve ever read. My father passed away suddenly four days after I gave birth to my son. He literally passed away the day we were supposed to go visit him in the hospital and introduce him to his grandson. I’ve never felt sadness like this before. The grief is so “all encompassing”. And then the intermixed emotions of joy from having my first child: becoming a parent, right at a time of losing my own parent, is such a tragic thing for me to deal with and learn to navigate.
These poems have made me feel like I’m not alone, and that my feelings are justified. I don’t have to feel guilty about not being the perfect parent right now, and I don’t have to move on from my grief at any point. Because quite honestly some people treat grief like it’s something to move past, when really it’ll never go away. Grow with it than from it.
This book of poems is beautiful and real and raw. Definitely recommend for anyone who has experienced/ is experiencing grief and joy at the same time.