I had the support of a wonderful bereavement charity and the school nurse but mostly I used my own skills to support myself and them. It was a very difficult and sad time. Explaining to the boys that their father was going to die was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, the hardest thing I will ever have to do. I was completely broken hearted about his impending death and couldn't imagine life without him. The prospect of becoming a lone parent and supporting the boys through this loss felt overwhelming. He died here at home, a year and a day after his diagnosis, leaving a gaping hole in our family.

Things fell into place quickly. A trustee of the charity was a publisher (Southgate Publishers), my friend Donna in the village a wonderful artist - it suddenly became a real project that I put my heart and soul into. The first print was done in 2012 and the second in 2013. The response was so positive and it was brought by parents, carers, schools, hospices. I was so proud of this tribute to Andy and my family.

So here we are today in 2021, 14 years after my husband died, 10 years since the words arrived in a dream. My boys have grown and have flown the nest; studying, working and in loving relationships, they are my pride and joy... we survived and we thrived! I have been in a loving relationship for the last 8 years to a man who accepts Andy as part of my life and that of the 'boys'. I feel very blessed to have found another 'great love'. 

With regards to my books, the original publisher retired and unfortunately no new publisher could be found, so they sat quietly for a while in storage. I have now decided to take on the mantle of the remaining books going out into the world and doing what they were birthed to do - supporting people going through something no-one ever wants to face, but I know happens every single day. 

At some point in the near future I am hoping to publish the books on Kindle also, so they can travel even further out into the world.

More about the Books

Saying Goodbye to Hare

This is an uplifting story written for children aged 5-9 years about death and dying. Beautifully illustrated, this book is full of honesty and warmth. As young Rabbit witnesses the, life, illness and death of his dear friend hare, the story explores some of the feelings and questions children have at this time. The story is sensitively written to gave a positive, thoughtful message about death and dying. There are guidance notes at the back for the parent, carer or professional who is supporting the child. 

Reviews

Reading this book with my children who are 6 and 8 has really helped them and me make sense of the sadness and tradgy that we are presently experiencing. Not only is it sensitively written it is also beautifully illustrated.I found the guidance notes helped me find a way to talk to the children at their level of understanding. I'm so pleased I found this book and would recommend it to anyone in my situation.

This is such a lovely book if you want to be honest with children about death. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to prepare children for bereavement but I'm sure this book would help. It's so sensitively written but is very down to earth. The pictures are enchanting too. All credit to the author for helping parents and children alike.

Remembering Hare

This beautifully illustrated story, written for children aged 5-9 years, is about coming to terms with the death of someone special. Featuring the same much-loved characters from Saying Goodbye to Hare, Rabbit and buzzard reflect together on the ups and downs, feelings and experiences of the first year following the death of their dear friend hare, as they watch the 'Great Race'.

This is a book about treasuring memories, creating a legacy and celebrating the life of the person who has died. This book delivers a hopeful, supportive message for children and adults alike . As with 'Saying Goodbye to Hare', there are guidance notes at the back for the parent, carer or professional who is supporting the child. 

Review

'This follow on book to 'Saying Goodbye to Hare' is a reassuring resource for people helping children come to terms with the loss of loved ones. Donna Bell's empathetic drawings will resonate with the readers and facilitate discussion around the issues raised by the story. It's clear from the story that the author has close personal experience of helping children with grief, which is invaluable. It's so lovely to flick through as an adult and be transported to Rabbit's world by the illustrations. Thanks to Southgate publishers for this, I plan to send both books to a child who has recently lost his mother.'

Buying the books

A single copy of each book is £7.50 plus postage/delivery fee, for more than 5 copies they are £5 each plus postage/delivery fee. Please contact me directly with your order and for payment details info@carolleenaturalhealth.com and I will be in touch with you as soon as possible.