Testimonials:  

 

What people are saying about our

Grief Recovery Programs…

 

“I’ve read the book “Grief Recovery Handbook” before and did some of the exercises on my own, but not finding complete resolution.  After taking the (ABJ) class, however, I’ve felt more at peace since the death of my son than I have in quite some time.  The class was very straight forward and easy to follow.  Although there was homework, they were activities that were helpful and emotional.  I was able to learn to let go of past pain, forgive people that I needed to forgive, and ultimately become a better person for it.  I left this class with tools to be able to assist me in whatever the future brings my way.”

Jen Souvannasing, bereaved mother, NH

“I first met Barbara in the early days following the death of my beloved daughter, Nicole. She became one of a small handful of individuals who actually ‘got it’ regarding this unbelievable loss. Through her I found others who shared a history similar to my own. I can hardly imagine what my crumbling world would have looked like without this supportive group.

Barbara has been incredibly generous with her time and energy. She long ago founded a local, accessible chapter of The Compassionate Friends, and has kept a loving hand at the helm of this vessel ever since. This life saving group has helped scores of bereaved parents find their way through the darkest days that they’ll ever see. Even now, some 10 years after the death of her son, Brent, she ceaselessly continues her output of calls, letters, meetings, ceremonies, and even home visits for we who struggle along. Her offering of love, empathy, hugs, and periodic yummy snacks at her home is like a well that never runs dry.”

–Louis Irwin, Ipswich, MA (bereaved father of Nicole, 24 & retired anethesiologist)

“We first met Barbara at a Compassionate Friends’ meeting when we lost our youngest son Tyler. She provided a safe place for parents of all ages to share their pain together. Barbara’s journey is born out of the eternal love we all have for our children. Her gentle, kind words and welcoming spirit offered us hope out of the paralyzing tunnel of despair that had engulfed us in our grief. In this common ground of bereavement over the untimely loss of our children, her unwavering support allowed our hearts to heal as she guided us through this intensely life altering trauma. Barbara’s compassion transformed the tragic loss we felt and allowed us to fully rejoin life once again.”

–-Jeff and Heather Smith, Durham, NH (bereaved parents of Tyler)

“After losing a child I looked towards finding someone that I could reach out to, a person who would somehow understand the pain I was feeling. Barbara was that person. She helped me find a way to grieve but also celebrate my son’s life. She continues to make herself available for me to talk and always encourages me to share stores about my son as a way to keep his spirit alive. I am now able to see him in all the beautiful things around me and feel his energy surround me the way she is able to help others, including myself along the path of grief. I admire her strength and spirituality—which I thought I had lost, but Barbara was able to help me retrieve those qualities.”

–Maria Cuoto, Peabody, MA (bereaved mother of Paul)

“Thanks Barb. Cannot believe this date will be our 11th Year Angel Anniversary of our daughter. Think of you always & the group and hope everyone has a peaceful Holiday Season.”


- Mary Zinck, Newburyport, MA (mother of Trisha)

 

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What People are Saying About “A Butterfly’s Journey”, the book

 

 

“I could not wait for this book to come out and as I read it I did not want it to end. It is the best book I have ever read. You did an awesome, awesome job telling your story that so many of us know to well. It even reaches those who have not suffered the loss and brings them as close to understanding our world as I feel is possible without living it. Your words made me Laugh and made me cry, best of all you brought comfort. In sharing your story you shared our stories. I am so glad to now know Brad, Robbie, and Brent! Though its not mentioned in your book, I will never ever not think of Brent, and will always smile when I hear ‘Bad To The Bone! ♥’  loved your book. I took it on vacation and just could not put it down.”

~ Patricia Van Coppernale, bereaved mother, Merrimac, MA

“Later that (the book launch) evening, after we arrived back home and everyone was settled for the night, I decided to begin reading the book.  It was so emotional…so compelling…so riveting, I couldn’t put it down!  By 3:00AM, with only a couple chapters left, I realized I needed to get some sleep if I expected to be able to function the following day!

 I finished the book last evening.  You did a great job, Barb.  Your book is powerful, emotional and poignant.  Tears were streaming down my face so profusely at times, I could no longer read the print on the pages, and had to put the book down to clear the tears from my eyes, before I could go on.  You clearly speak from the heart and share your very personal and private feelings in an honest and thought-provoking way. 

 My hope is that this book gets enormous exposure, because with the right exposure, it is certainly destined to be on the best-sellers list.  Thank you for sharing with such honesty and clarity, your very powerful journey about surviving grief after the death of a child and emerging a stronger, more confident person.”

~ Nancy Noyes Lambert, bereaved mother, Salisbury, MA

“I am now totally engrossed in your book and look forward to savoring it for maybe another day instead of just rushing through. It is just so powerful, gripping and compelling, Barb. Just so well done. I like Andre’s words on the back cover about shining a hard-earned light through your bottomless grief. Now I look forward to hearing more about the words and signs that may be coming from Brent in the pages to come. That was what was so staggering on my journey after my father’s death (and including that of my ex-husband and step-mother) – the spiritual insight absolutely dazzles, when it pierces our ordinary sense of reality. My second book is out, after many years.”

~ Jane Bernhardt, Author of “We Are Here“ & “The Sweet Conversation”, NH

“I want you to know how much your life story touched me. You had me in tears from the hospital and funeral and then throughout the book. I also laughed with you. I enjoyed the honest words and emotions used to tell us your family’s life.  I thank – you for being wonderful enough to share such loss with all of us.    I must also tell you, I enjoyed the poetry (I am a sucker for poetry!)

 Believe it, I liked that you also included your spiritual journey it  made me feel SO human. Thank – you for the chapters of great insight and advice.”

~ Margaret Kelly, Merrimac, MA

“Barbara I just finished your book. Very real and heartfelt to hear your journey. Thank u for sharing . It helps us on our journey to see that we can figure out our new normal. You give us strength!”

~Susan Bonnell, bereaved mother, Haverhill, MA

“Well I finished your book last night and just bawled my eyes out!  I felt your writing was superb and your message was so completely uplifting for me.  It was our 5th ‘angel’versary in June, and my son Patrick’s birthday in July and it has been quite difficult.  Thank you for sharing your story, but more importantly for me at this stage, thank you for sharing your spirituality and the message that our children and others in our lives are right here with us, Even though we cannot touch them, we can reach out in other ways.  You have inspired me!”

– Diane Alaimo, bereaved mother, Methuen, MA

“Just finishing the book. What an incredible journey. Barbara you are amazing.”

~ Judith Good-Elia, retired CEO New England Blind & Deaf E Wakefield, NH

“I read your book and felt like I was reliving my own painful loss. My daughter Marci Lyn also died in a deadly accident. Felt your pain and my own. Good job with the book.”

~ Mary Sayward, bereaved mother, Amesbury, MA

“Barbara is an incredibly motivated author who opens her heart to share her journey. She is always ready to help others and extend her generosity. This book is truly and example of her love she is extending to the world…”

~ Lisa Christine Summerville, Plum Island, MA

“Hi Barbara, I finished your book the other evening.  It was a little overwhelming at first, to say the least!  And that you should take as a compliment.  I’ve never felt such empathy for someone and feel I can better understand what a dear friend went through many years ago when she lost her son.  I watched & was with her as she went through much of the same painful situations you did.  Of course, my favorite section of the book was toward the end as you have opened yourself to the other side & finding that there truly is more than just this life, & that we all remain connected!  Kudos for having the courage to share and give positive action to your grief.”

Jackie Coates, Manager KMCH Radio, Manchester, IA

Barbara, I’ll plan to see you tonight (at the TCF chapter meeting). I bought a copy of your book via Amazon; I’ll plan to bring it tonight to have you sign it… I feel that I’m  getting a lot from it… thanks!

Kathy O, bereaved mother Rockport, MA

 

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What people say about “FAITH – Finding Answers In The Heart”