For They Shall Be Comforted

by Camille Call Whiting

Expectant. A word that describes more than just pregnancy, it also denotes the hopes and aspirations that parents hold for the child the mother is carrying. However, sometimes the anticipated joy of a new arrival is suddenly transformed into anguish and grief when a baby dies as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. And no matter how many children a mother may have, the loss of one child will break her whole heart.In this comforting and encouraging book, Camille Call Whiting recounts her own experience of losing two children and lovingly guides the reader through her personal journey from anger, guilt, and despair to healing, acceptance, and peace. From an LDS perspective, the author offers wise counsel and tender hope for those in similar circumstances, along with honest and forthright advice to friends and family in how they can help those who are grieving. If you or someone you know are suffering from the loss of a child, For They Shall Be Comforted will be helpful in finding the hope, strength, and reassurance offered by our Father in Heaven.

Genres: Grief

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mary Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone who wants to know what it is like to lose a child. This is not a great book to read immediately after you have lost a child. At least in my case. I wanted answers to my questions after our daughter was stillborn at 35 weeks. This is just one woman’s story about losing multiple infants. I wasn’t in the right place to gain anything helpful from her experience. Maybe I’ll read it again in ten years and feel like I can relate better. But, for now, I am donating it to the library. Hopefully someone else can appreciate it.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I have grieved in the past, and continue to grieve now at times, for many things related to conceiving and bearing children. I have also had times of powerful grief over other experiences that life has brought my way. I thought maybe I'd find something helpful within its pages. I was also curious if it would be a book worthy of giving to friends who find themselves grieving.

I like reading of others experiences with grief and adversity because it helps normalize my own experiences. I found her stories of her experiences losing children very touching. I was reading in public or around my children and I often had to stop and breath deeply because I didn't want to cry openly just then. I was able to see many admirable qualities in her, ones which I then realized that I also possess but could see more clearly through the lens of her story.

I think that her explanation of the grieving process is very basic, and I already understood it before coming to this book. That said, she pointed out examples of the things she thought and said at each step and that turned on a few light bulbs for me. I realized more clearly that some things I have thought or said were manifestations of the grieving process. Which was a relief actually because I think it allows me to be more gentle with myself.

I think I still prefer the book Gone Too Soon by Sherri Devashrayee Wittwer as the go to book in time of need. In spite of that, For They Shall Be Comforted has a lot to offer as well in its simplicity and sincerity.

I would not read this book while pregnant. Pregnancy brings enough fears without adding fuel to the fire!

[Brittany F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this book at first because reading about her experiences just after losing my baby was so hard. I have read a little at a time over the last 2 1/2 months since the death of our sweet Hyrum. It has been really helpful to read another mother's experiences. I found that I reacted differently in a few ways to having a stillborn child but it was still very helpful to learn of her story and insight on the matter. She includes great advice for family and friends who want to know how to help a loved one get through losing a child.

[Josie McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after Kelani (my daughter) passed away. It was a really good book because it talks about grieving the loss of a child. It talks about the hopes and anticipation parents and a mother has when she is pregnant, and then makes you realize that sometimes the anticipation doesn't end in joy but ends in anguish and grief. It was a great book to read in my time of despair, it was very comforting and made me realize that I wasn't alone.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Camille in Laramie, and it seems like she know you, Molly? She is such an amazing woman in every way! I'm looking forward to reading her book!





It was so go to read this book, even 11 years, 7 years, and 5 years later after my losses. It's so true, we each greive in our own way, but it was so good to see that others share the same reactions, feelings, questions, and answers that I have and continue to receive. It's a good "you're not alone" book. Thanks, Camille!!

[Jodee Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a big help. I needed to understand where my sister and mother and father were coming from. I will admit I am guilty of saying things that were unintentionally hurtful as I was just trying to help and comfort.

Now I just need to be brave and write a book about what not to say and what Childless Couples feel like. It is similar but different.

Overall after reading this I feel we all could be a little more sensitive to each other in all circumstances.

Glad I read this.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camille was a college friend and reading her book was so great for me. It gave me a better understanding for all who have lost babies. It is always so hard to know what to say or do but Camille gave great ideas and reasons behind why they are good. Camille is an amazing woman and I loved how real she was with this book. I'm glad she wrote it.

[Chana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely comforting for me after losing my baby just a few months ago. After giving birth 17 weeks early and then losing my son a week later, I could completely relate with the feelings/thoughts/pain she describes. Her stories break your heart but help you reflect tofind the strength and happiness even in your hardest moments.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book about the author (LDS) who lost one baby after 2 days and another was stillborn at 20 weeks. Any woman who has lost children longs to hear about other women with similar experiences and how they delt with it. This book was well written and helped me enormously.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comforting book that helps make sense of all the conflicting emotions experienced after loosing a baby. This book is helpful for both those going through the experience themselves and for those that are trying to help a loved one.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book around to read for months and months... but, I guess I have been somewhat scared to read it. I didn't want it to make me sad... It did, of course, make me feel sad and very emotional in general, but I'm glad I read this book.

[brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in an hour, and I cried the whole time - it was a wonderful comfort and solace as I am suffering from the loss of my daughter.

[Bobbi]

It was nice to have my feelings validated.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. Helpful if you are wondering how to helps someone who has lost a child.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you need comfort after the loss of a baby. This book was very helpful!

[Veronica Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and shared feelings

I related to so much of what was written in this book, and at first I wondered why I was reading a book that would make me sad, but I also felt comfort to read her story and to relate and to see all the things I feel/have felt written out.