Dear Monster-Bug

by Dusty Grein

On Saturday, June 18, 2011, our family suffered what is perhaps the most devastating trauma that can befall any family—the death of an infant. Eddy Maurice Smith III, arrived on Saturday, March 26, 2011, and he was the happiest little guy you could ever meet. His smile touched countless lives during the single season he got to spend with us, but sadly, he passed in his sleep after 13 weeks of an amazing shooting-star life. Since that day, his Mommy has used poetry as an outlet to help her heal, and some days just to cope with her new reality. Together, she and I published a collection of her poems, to help others begin the lifelong journey from anguish toward nostalgia. Her heart has given me strength, and through her poetry, she has written her messages upon the hearts and souls of others, especially mine. My pride in her faith, love and endurance is beyond words. This poem was my gift to her, written on my Little Trip’s fifth birthday. Eddy, her angel Monster-Bug, will always be part of our hearts, our souls, and our memories.

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2019

About the author

Dusty Grein is an author, and graphics designer from Federal Way, Washington. He currently lives in the Pacific Northwest, where helping run his small press occupies most of his free time.

An award winning poet, he is a contributing member of the advisory board for the Society of Classical Poets, focusing on keeping the classic forms of meter and rhyme fresh and alive.

When he is not busy writing, he donates a great deal of his time and graphics talent. In honor of his grandson Eddy, lost to SIDS at 13 weeks old, he creates free memorial images for bereaved families, with a special focus on infant and pregnancy loss.

His blog, From Grandpa's Heart... is followed by fans around the world.