(I am in no way asking for pity or free items etc, just want to throw that out there)

On 2/12/15 I lost my step dad (who was more of a father to me than my own dad) very unexpectedly. He was 48, and we still dont have an official report, however i do work in the healthcare field and im thinking it was just a massive heart attack. However im here more so for advice on books, etc i can read or get for my mother.

Ive already purchased this for my mom for his keepsakes. But i was looking for some fiction books that may just help come to terms with this situation. All i can think of is Mitch Album and i thought maybe some of my fellow subeta users could throw some ideas out there. Even if its not a book, just something. My mind is running on E right now.

Thank you in advance

I'm sorry for your loss. I sadly have no books to recommend. I personally have coped with such losses through writing poems or stories or nything like that, so mayb you could try that road too, if you find no books.

I am very sorry for your loss :(

Thank you

I do keep a diary, though i havent felt like writing, i was just looking for an uplifting book i could get for me or my mom, we both enjoy reading

I'm so sorry about your Dad :( Does your Mom keep a journal at all? Sometimes it helps to be able to write down how you feel and what you are going through. I think too that just giving it time ( I know it's so cliche ) and don't expect everything to be ok right away. It's going to hurt for a while and you both just need to give yourselves the time to process it and feel it. Don't be afraid to seek out people to talk to about it either. My heart goes out to both of you <3

I am so sorry for you loss. Praying for you and your family for comfort and strength during this difficult time. The best you can do for her is spend time with her. Refer her to a therapist/grief counselor if needed. You may benefit as well. (Helped me find some peace, nice to have someone outside of the family to help you sort out your emotions) Gotta remember to take care of you too. Sometimes we get so busy trying to pick up the pieces and worry about others, that you don't realize you are grieving too. Everyone does it differently and that's okay. If you live close by try to have a few meals with her, it gets lonely. We lost my dad a few years, 2/25. due to a heart attack. It gets easier with time. There are some things of his and times of the year that are still land mines for emotions. If you need to talk feel free to pm me. For me I found that creating a scrapbook of memories helped, I also made a cd of his favorite songs. Very helpful to me. Makes me think of happy memories instead of the sad. For my sisters, it's still hard to look at his picture. A book like Angel Catcher: A Journal of Loss and Remembrance might be helpful. So sorry for what you are going through. Big hugs to you.

Ah I see. Well I realy like A Cat Who Came for Christmas, which is about a stray the autor took in. That is pretty positive and upliftng in my opinion. Not sure if it is easy to buy, as it is already some years old. I got it in a used book store once.

Thank you, and i will look into that book Junie

We live 45 min apart, i just moved closer to my job in dec, i work nights so before all this i had been slack about calling etc but i will DEF change that habit

I am not sure of any books that could possibly help. My step-father passed away at that age of a massive heart attack about 15 years ago. I think the gift you are buying is lovely. Looks like she will be able to put items in it that will remind her of him. I took a photo of my mom and stepdad at their wedding and had it copied and put it into a frame for her to have of the two of them to be put out since she didn't have something like that. All her photos were simply in an album. Loss and grief simply stinks :(

My God, I am so sorry. I've lost both my parents so I know what you're going through. Both went to Cancer so we had a bit of time to process it all. One thing my mom talked to me about was when it happens to a parent it's a shock, no matter how well you think you're prepared. I don't have a frame of reference for a sudden death but I do realize it's utter hell. My heart goes out to both of you. The death of a loved one is something we never 'get over', rather it's something we fight like hell to 'get through' and we all go through it at our own pace. Don't be surprised if you find that you and your mom are in different places as your minds begin to process it all, but do keep in mind you both need to support each other as you make your way. There is a book that was a tremendous help to me when I my mom was end-stage (I was only 10 when I lost my dad) and was trying to process it all. It's On Death and Dying by Elizabeth Kubler Ross. It's beautifully written, an easy read, and was such a help to me. My heart and prayers are with you both.

I don't have any advice I just wanted to say I am really sorry for your loss! :hugs: :C

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I'll be keeping you and your mother in my thoughts and prayers. The box you picked out is beautiful.

I don't know if you or your mother would be interested (it might be too soon right now), but there is a support group called GriefShare (http://www.griefshare.org/about) with many chapters/locations all throughout the country. It's a chance for people who have lost a loved one to connect and just feel like they're not so all alone. If you click the "Healing" tab at the top of the website, there are some resources, including a "Bookstore" with a list of suggested books. You can also search to find the closest groups. I wish that I could be of more help. Please know that we're all thinking of you.

Sending lots of love <3

I'm not sure about books -- but respect her/your grieving process. There's no 'right' way people grieve, so just try to be there for her (and let her be there for you.) Working in the medical field I'm sure you already know that. :I

If she's religious, you might want to contact her pastor/etc and ask him/her. Not necessarily for him to intervene, but he might know a source we might not be able to give.

hugs I'm sorry for your loss.

I have no ideas for you on books or such, but my sympathies go out to you and your family. gentle (((hugs)))

I am so sorry to hear that, I send you a hug. I'll think of recommendations tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll be praying for both of you!

i'm sorry for your loss.

unfortunately, i can't recommend any book for your mom as i rarely read.. :/

all i can say is that you should try stay with your mom as much as you can if you're on good terms.

I'm so sorry for your loss. The keepsake box is a beautiful idea and I know your mom will love it. I don't have any book recommendations but music is my go to. Maybe if there were some special songs they both shared you could burn a disc of them for your mom. (Hugs) and thoughts of comfort for your family.

so sorry for your loss... honestly, I don't know how much books would really help cope. Never goes away - would say to be there for your mom - be open to discussing your step father with her... for a long time ;-)

My specific situation.. been going to Alanon meetings (my mother was an alcoholic) and it has helped tremendously to listen to people dealing with a similar situation... and talking with them about the loss; my feelings, etc.

Very sorry for the loss of your father. Came across this for your mother maybe: http://www.oprah.com/health/Coping-with-the-Death-of-a-Spoude_1

This one might interest you - or at least parts of it: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/When-a-Parent-Dies-Dealing-with-the-Death-of-a-Parent

I don't really have any book advice, I just wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss. ((hugs))