Growing Up in Heaven was a sheer delight to read (even for me, who has no children)! As in his other books, James provides case studies in which he describes a child who has crossed over in chilling detail and someone in the audience recognizes the person. Even the most skeptical are won over as insider secrets from the deceased are revealed.
Part One includes information on when a child crosses over: the purpose of the child's death, how to deal with it, how the death was agreed to and arranged even before the child was born ("soul pact") to be part of the parents' growth, and most interestingly, where the child goes after death. James explains that children rarely remain earthbound as spirits, having a lot less emotional baggage as an adult.
We learn (or are reminded of) all sorts of tidbits about the spirit world: there are many new colors; the spirit world for children includes sports, handicrafts, gardening, sailing, and games; spirits who have crossed attend schools--but unlike the ones on Earth, extreme attention and planning is given for the unique individual. "Subjects are designed to align perfectly with each soul's spiritual make-up, intellect, creative talents, interests, and needs." Spirit children also watch over loved ones remaining on Earth.
In short, we are given confirmation that there IS life after death, as well as assurance that this life is heavenly beyond our imaginations.
Part Two consists of info on the soul's make-up. This is not restricted to children, and it provides great assurance for any of us who have lost a loved one or are contemplating our own death. We learn the definition of a soul, its personality, possible fragmentation after trauma, soul patterns, soul families, soul groups, soul mates, and soul levels (young souls, mature souls, old souls, and earth angels). Interestingly, James has found from his experience that people who die as children are almost always OLD souls (as are those with disabilities).
As in Part One, Part Two is interspersed with real-life case studies in which James interacts with children spirits in front of an audience. One of these stories sent chills down my spine: a woman doesn't have a baby till age 55 (with help from technology, of course). While carrying the baby in a doctor's office, a 12-year-old boy, complete stranger, stands up and salutes the baby, proclaiming, "He's here. He's come back. He's come back from the future to be with us!" Well, prior to that, the baby appeared to the mother in a vision, insisting on some foreign name. Later, the mom finds out that the name means, in an ancient language, "he who has returned."
Part Two also discusses issues such as abortion--it is not murder, because the soul knew beforehand that the mother was going to abort it, and it is just balancing some karma from having abandoning a baby herself. Suicide is also discussed, and rest assured, the soul is not in some hell or punishment for this act: It simply reincarnated prematurely without the proper preparation. We also learn about the Council of Elders, old wise spirits that help us plan our next life.
Part Three involves healing your life after the loss of a child. There are ways to communicate with the spirit of your child who has passed, such as meditation, dreams, clairalience and cold spots, writing "letters to heaven," and even automatic handwriting! The stages of grieving are also discussed.
This book is a treat and should be given to everyone who has lost a child, or for that matter, any loved one!
Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet
and
Beyond Broccoli, Creating a Biologically Balanced Diet When a Vegetarian Diet Doesn't Work
