Thanks for stopping by for my stop of this wonderful tour hosted by:
pic and description taken from Goodreads
DESCRIPTION:
As the mother of one of the children who died at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Alissa Parker had her world shattered by a mass murderer's rampage. She was left to make sense of her daughter's life and death and to rebuild, seeking a deeply spiritual path to carry on with her life and find new meaning and purpose.
As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook.
As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook.
MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:
I have been trying to put my words on paper about this book. Then I decided there are no words that would adequately express how much this book touched my heart.
I had a chance to hear Alissa talk about her tragedy in person. It was just as hard to put into words then how I felt as it is now after reading the book.
I am also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her stories inspired me, and touched me so deeply and still do. It wasn't until I finished reading her book, that I realized it doesn't matter what religion, background and color etc. we may be, this book is inspiring. It teaches about love, healing, and finding our way though tragedy. Every one will experience some kind of tragedy, at some point in their life. Whether little or big. What this book teaches, is how to go about healing after the tradegy without becoming bitter.
I cannot imagine what Alissa and her husband Robbie and family went through on that fateful day, and still do. Yet she has found a way to be happy and find healing in the simple things in life. She has found a way to connect with her sweet child that is no longer with her physically on this earth, but is still very much with her.
I cannot tell you how emotional this book made me either. This is hands down one of my biggest fears every day as a mother. When I send my kids off to school every day, and have actually gone through some shut downs at school because of kids who make bad choices. I cannot fathom a life without my children in it. Yet, I see through this book, and through my own faith that we are never really separated. Though we may not always be together physically, we will always be together.
If you are suffering with loss in any way, please take a moment to read this book. It doesn't take long. It is powerful, and uplifting. It is inspiring. Although the reason for this book is horribly tragic, the words written on the paper and the sweet pictures included, far out weigh the tragedy.
I cannot thank Alissa enough for being willing to put her thoughts into words to inspire others. This book has changed my life. It has given me a greater understanding of life after death. It has increased my faith, and understanding of the importance of always treasuring those moments with our kids while they have been placed in our possession on this earth.
I could go on an on about how much this book has touched and inspired me, so I hope you take the opportunity to experience it for yourself. You will not regret it. The sweet feeling of peace that came over me while reading it, I hope will stay with me for a very long time.
Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
MY RATING:
WHERE TO BUY:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
pic and description taken from Shadow Mountain Publishing
Alissa grew up in Ogden, Utah the youngest of five children. She graduated from Weber State University and there married her high school sweet heart, Robbie. They are the proud parents of three beautiful girls; Emilie (who passed away at age 6), Madeline (8) and Samantha (6). Alissa currently resides in a small town outside of Vancouver, Washington with her family and their four chickens. Alissa is an avid photographer, crafter, reader and amateur gardener. After her daughter Emilie was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, Alissa co-founded two non-profit organizations; Safe and Sound Schools which empowers parents and educators about school safety and The Emilie Parker Art Connection that helps fund and support art programs for children. But the job that means the most to Alissa is being a full time mom to her daughters.
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