Daddy's Promise [Paperback]

John T. Heiney (Author), Michael J. Gordon (Author), Cindy Klein Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Daddy's Promise is about a little boy's journey of discovery after the death of his father. Jesse is angry and filled with questions. Why did his daddy have to die? What happens when someone dies? Where do they go? Jesse's questions are answered both by his mother, and in a series of dreams where Jesse visits his father and learns about life, death and life after death.

Daddy's Promise answers common questions children have about death, as well as suggestions for coping. Concrete, simple explanations are given for what happens when someone dies. During dream-like visits with his father, Jesse learns more about death, what happens when we die and where our spirits go.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I was really touched by the sensitivity captured in Daddy's Promise. The authors have done a remarkable job in addressing the feelings of guilt, anger, sadness and fear common in grieving children. This book is sure to encourage dialogue between parent (caregiver) and child." -- Deanne Ginns-Gruenberg, MA, LLP, LPC, BSNOwner, The Self Esteem Bookstore

"Thanks for sharing this wonderful resource with me. It's the book I've been waiting for, in terms of helping kids who have lost parents, heal. I've been looking for a book like this since I've been in the business." -- Barry Jay, Ph.D. Licensed Child and Family Psychologist

From the Publisher

Through his open interactions with his mother and father, Jesse is able to find positive messages. He finds that death is not an ending, it is the beginning of a new existence. He learns the answers to his questions; Where does the soul/spirit go when someone dies? What happens in the special place? What role does the spirit/soul play in the lives of loved ones on Earth? Most importantly, Jesse learns that his daddy's spirit will always be watching over him, to guide him throughout his life.

In all cases, Jesse's questions are answered honestly, and treated with respect, care and compassion. Our hope is that this book will help open a healthy dialogue between adults and children where loss has occurred, where the mystery and fear of death can be replaced with comfort and hope.

On a personal note, Cindy's husband died in 1992, when her son was almost two years old. Since that time he has related many dreams and "encounters" with his father, in addition to the expected questions. These experiences, along with professional knowledge and spiritual "intuition" led to the creation of this book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Promise Publications; 1st edition (May 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965649806
• ISBN-13: 978-0965649803
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #898,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting for children who have lost a parent, March 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Daddy's Promise (Paperback)

My husband died of cancer, leaving behind 5 children between the ages of 1 and 10. This book was very helpful to all of them, not just the boys. Addresses feelings they may have had during the parent's illness and death, helps to resolve issues that may have been left undone or unsaid between parent and child, and gives the child permission to continue on and live a happy life. A very hopeful, constructive, positive book that has been read over and over in our home.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HELPFUL DURING A DIFFICULT TIME, September 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Daddy's Promise (Paperback)

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK JUST DAYS AFTER MY FOUR YEAR OLD SON LOST HIS FATHER IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT. IT WAS VERY HARD TO FIND AGE APPROPRIATE MATERIAL CONCERNING THE DEATH OF A FATHER BECAUSE MOST BOOKS ON DEATH AND DYING PERTAIN TO PETS AND GRANDPARENTS OR WENT INTO THE FUNERAL AND CEMETARY ASPECTS TOO MUCH. THE CONCEPT OF "HIS BODY STOPPED WORKING" WAS A GOOD WAY TO EXPLAIN HIS PASSING. IT RE-AFFIRMED OUR BELIEFS THAT HIS FATHER WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF HIS LIFE AND HE CAN DREAM OF HIS DAD OFTEN. THE PICTURES ARE A LITTLE LACKING BUT THE STORY IS WORTH READING. IF YOU NEED HELP EXPLAINING DEATH TO A CHILD OR WANT THEM TO KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO YOU.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Was not what expected, May 3, 2011

By 

BG "Child psychologist" (Costa Rica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daddy's Promise (Paperback)

The subject and the way it is handled does not address the main issues my patients have regarding the loss of their father. It is not a bad book, but not one I use in my practice with mourning kids.