GONE
NEVER FORGOTTEN
Words for Hope and Healing after the Loss of a Baby
By Natalie Bright
Copyright © 2011 Natalie Bright
****
Apollo Publishing LLC – Amarillo, Texas
Cover Photograph: Joe Don Stevens
Cover Design: Phillip Gessert www.phillipgessert.com
Editor: Melanie Mallon www.malloneditorial.com
Copyright 2011 by Natalie Bright.
All rights are reserved by the author. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes:
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
****
In Memory
Clayton M. Bright
September 28, 1995—October 2, 1995
Contents
A Plea for Help by Marianne McNeil Logan
Between the Sun and the Moon by Nell Lindenmeyer
This Isn’t Me by Marianne McNeil Logan
Chapter 2. Strength from Others
To Tell the Truth by Marianne McNeil Logan
Chapter 3. The Truth about Words
Someone to Hear by Marianne McNeil Logan
A Way You Can Help by Marianne McNeil Logan
Façade by Marianne McNeil Logan
Chapter 4. Understanding Your Own Strength
A Single Gentle Soul by Nell Lindenmeyer
A New Life by Marianne McNeil Logan
Outside In by Nell Lindenmeyer
INTRODUCTION
If you’ve suffered the loss of a baby recently or many years ago, I understand your grief and your shattered spirit. This book is for you. With uplifting Bible verses for those who find comfort in God’s word, poems to inspire you to face another day, and personal insight based on my own loss I hope you can find healing in this collection of words.
You should know that you have more inner strength than you ever imagined possible. Whether you are a grieving parent, grandparent or concerned friend, my wish is that this book will provide comfort to you at this difficult time. From my heart to yours. ♥
1. LIVING WITH GRIEF
This past year our oldest son would have turned fifteen. As I write, tears fill my eyes, and I swallow the lump in my throat. How could I have forgotten his birthday again? I had planned to purchase a wreath, fasten a well-used toy from a younger brother’s room, and visit the cemetery to honor the special day. In the swirl of daily life, the date had slipped past, and I had done nothing.
Through the years, the pain over losing a baby will resurface out of nowhere. Special dates and events will pass without a second thought, and at other times, the overwhelming sense of loss will smack you out of nowhere. You must learn to live with your grief.