Breaking the Silence [Hardcover]

Laura Prince (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 089503137X | ISBN-13: 978-0895031372 | Publication Date: March 1996

. . . one family's evolution over a period of 25 years following the death of one of its children . . .

This important book takes us through the author's personal journey to free herself of the life-long crippling effects of the loss of her brother, as she breaks her family's silence.

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PREFACE

When someone you love moves away from you, regardless of the distance that separates you, you are comforted by the possibility of reunion. But when someone you love dies, the hope for reunion is gone. Over twenty-five years ago, my thirteen-year-old brother Mathew was accidentally killed by a car while riding his bicycle to a baseball game. My family became and remained completely silent regarding this tragedy. We never worked out the anguish of it together, or with close friends or clergy. At that time, society was not as well equipped with grief-therapy treatment, as it is today. Because my parents' loss was so devastating, my brothers' and my loss became secondary to them, and therefore our grief was never resolved.

When my brother Mathew was killed, my brothers Steven, Marc and I were all under 20 years of age. Although our family had many problems before my brother's death--as most families have--this greatly amplified our dysfunction as a family unit, for unknown to us, he was our underlying stabilizer. After his death, and the ensuing silence, my brothers and I developed a negative and destructive manner toward one another. Mathew's demise left an irreversible void--an emptiness that could never be filled by anyone else. However, that emptiness could have been somewhat alleviated by a heartfelt exchange in dialogue. My family was incapable of this method of release.

It is hoped this story will encourage you to break your silence, as well.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 139 pages
• Publisher: Baywood Pub Co (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089503137X
• ISBN-13: 978-0895031372
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,455,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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