On the morning of February 6, 1991, Dennis Apple discovered the lifeless body of his son on their family room couch. Eighteen-year-old Denny had died without warning from what was later explained as complications due to Mono. Sixteen years later, Dennis still struggles with living in a world without his son.Life After the Death of My Son shares a glimpse of the unspeakable pain, helplessness, frustration, and eventual healing that Dennis and his wife, Buelah, have experienced since losing their son. Using excerpts from his journal—which he began the day after Denny died—Dennis explores the dark, lonely road of grieving for a child. He discloses his anger and disappointment with God; discusses his frustrations with friends and family; and shares how he’s dealt with the grief attacks, which continue to sneak up and surprise him. His painful, yet promising story offers comfort and connection to those walking similar paths. With understanding and compassion, Dennis offers grieving parents insight from 10 lessons he’s learned—and continues to learn. His gentle words and honest understanding will guide those with grieving hearts on their difficult journey; giving them hope; helping them to discover ways in which God is able to continue the life of the child they loved.
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About the Author
DENNIS L. APPLE struggled to reclaim his faith, his marriage, and his personal sanity after the sudden death of his 18 year old son, Denny, in 1991. He has started numerous support groups, and continues to counsel couples and individuals as they struggle to reclaim themselves after the loss of a loved one. For more than 20 years, he has served as Staff Pastor at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, where he oversees recovery and support groups, senior adult ministry, and hospital visitation. Dennis and his wife, Beulah, live in Olathe, and have an adult son, Andrew.
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51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Grief Walk with a Bereaved Dad,
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This review is from: Life After the Death of My Son: What I'm Learning (Paperback)
As a mom who has buried two children, a stillborn daughter and a 16 year old son, and having a ministry with bereaved mothers, I have read many books on grief and the loss of a child. Yet, I've never read a book that hit the raw emotions and the grief journey I have walked with such open honesty, as this book. Though I read this book in 24 hours, it could not be read in one sitting, as my tear blurred eyes had to recover from the emotions and pains I similarily went through (and still am).
Dennis Apple, the author, and also a pastor, shares with little hesitation,his journey of grief, questioning God, loneliness and despair as he tried to find normalcy. He shares not only his pain but not understanding his wife's depression and his searchings to console her. Sharing excerpts from his journal, Mr. Apple writes of the roller coaster of grief, the unexpected attacks of grief, even many years later. Even with his wonderings at times where God was, he shares how he can see God never left him, and gives hope and understanding to those walking this road now. This book is not just for bereaved parents, but should be read by pastors, grief counselors, extended family of the bereaved or anyone who wants or should understand the pain after the loss of a child. I invite you to read this book to understand and care for others. Though you will most likely have a tear streaked book when you are finished, it will give you hope and understanding.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mother who's been there.,
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This review is from: Life After the Death of My Son: What I'm Learning (Paperback)
This is the first "real" book that I have read about the grief process that was right on the money. Dennis Apple gives a very honest, strightforward truth about what really happens to those suffering from a tragic loss of a child. He helps the reader know that what they are experiencing is normal and that there is hope. Being a mother who has also experienced the loss of a child, I found this book to be very uplifting and very encouraging. My hope is that others will read it and feel the same. I also think this is a great book for those who feel led to be grief counselors. It will give them an honest look at how to approach and not approach those in grief. A very awesome book!
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST read for parents & family who's beloved child must leave us. This book is a Guiding Light thru the valley of grief.,
By
This review is from: Life After the Death of My Son: What I'm Learning (Paperback)
"The unthinkable has happened! I have lost my only son, my oldest child on August 2, 2009. He just turned 27 on June 3rd, 2009. Somewhere on those first dark days, in which the fog and gut wrenching pain only allows me to remember being picked up off my knees several times crippled with pain, and having this book recommended to me. I thank God, and my friend for recommending this book. I was desperate for comfort, hope, and to know that someone, anyone lived through this devastation. In this book, Dennis Apple speaks candidly about the loss of his son Denny, offering an intimat look into one of the most devestating and frightful times of Dennis and his family's life. Through his loss and experience, Dennis Apple gave me a life preserver, when I was plunged into the cold, frightning ocean of darkness called grief. An ocean where bereaved parents, have never tread, never wanted or imagined to be thrown into, have no idea how to swim against the current of grief, and can feel themselves drowning. Dennis Apple's book gave me the hope that I could get through this, I could learn to breath again, and survive my son's death. I highly recommend this powerful, yet gentle read, it is truly a guiding light through this storm. Thank you Dennis, Buelah, Andrew and Angel Denny! I am so sorry for your loss, and the tragic loss of your son, that gave you the "experience" to write this book of hope for bereaved parents. Thank you for your honesty with about questioning your faith, and the depression that can set in, if not paid attention to. This book made me pay attention to the HOPE for tomorrow, prepare for the waves of grief, the hills and valleys, and that what I am feeling is "normal"...as normal as a newly bereaved mother can be. Blessings!"
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