The Tender Scar: Life After the Death of a Spouse (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Did I do everything I could?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Coast Guard, Widowed Persons Support Group

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Tender Scar should be bought and given to anyone you care about who has lost a spouse. It offers valid, genuine help that well-meaning friends often cannot provide. It also gives the contact information for support groups. This is also a very valuable book for all pastors, counselors, ministers and chaplains who so often deal with death issues. Reading this book will compel you to rethink how important your husband, wife or companion is. It will spur you to make every minute count with your spouse even if it means turning off your favorite program in order to pay full attention to a soul mate who at that moment wants to talk." (Rev. Austin Miles americandaily.com 20061204)

After reading this book, the grieving widow or widoweroindeed anyone suffering the sting of a loved ones' deathoin left with the assurance that, although the scar left behind is tender, healing is possible. (Dan Griffin Baptist Standard )

After reading this book, the grieving widow or widoweroindeed anyone suffering the sting of a loved ones' deathoin left with the assurance that, although the scar left behind is tender, healing is possible. (Dan Griffin Baptist Standard 20070101)

He understands how gut-wrenching holidays and other social events can be without your loved one. If you've lost your spouse, get this book. If you know someone who recently lost a spouse, give this book (but first read it yourselfoit will make you a better friend to the grief-stricken). (Sue Kline DJ Picks )

He understands how gut-wrenching holidays and other social events can be without your loved one. If you've lost your spouse, get this book. If you know someone who recently lost a spouse, give this book (but first read it yourselfoit will make you a better friend to the grief-stricken). (Sue Kline DJ Picks 20070201)

Thank goodness. The author of The Tender Scar has the ability to put into words his deepest feelings of when his wife of many years suffered a stroke and never recovered . . . . Richard Mabry, the author, was a teaching physician for 35 years but he knew he must share his grief with others such as his pastor, friends and family members. Not only did he keep a near daily journal of his feelings, he shared them word for word by means of e-mail. Each of the 26 chapters includes a verbatim copy of his e-mail to either his children or closest friends and he includes with each a Bible reference and a prayer . . . . I thoroughly appreciated this book and I recommend family members of all ages to read it, particularly members of the older generations. I further recommend that it be placed in our church library to be accessible for all to read. (Gene Ludtke The Lamplighter )

The Tender Scar should be purchased and given to anyone you care about who has lost a spouse. It offers valid, genuine help that well-meaning friends often cannot provide. It also gives the contact information for support groups. This is also a very valuable book for all pastors, counselors, ministers, and chaplains who so often deal with death issues. (Rev. Austin Miles Agape Press 20070101)

Product Description

Written by a former physician and recent widower, this warmly practical book guides the bereaved through the grief process and explains how to live after the death of a spouse. Taking excerpts from his personal journal, Dr. Mabry discusses the situations and feelings he encountered during the grief process. A valuable resource for anyone coping with the death of a loved one.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825433401
• ISBN-13: 978-0825433405
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,259 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #32 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Relationships > Love & Loss

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, compassion-filled , June 19, 2006

By	Jan Coleman (Auburn, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I met Richard at a writers' conference, and sat beside him for several days in a fiction workshop where we shared our love for writing and some of our painful backstories. (While we both love fiction and storytelling, God has us writing from our losses, at least for right now.)

When he asked me to look at an advance copy of this book, I said yes (when I usually hesitate because authors get so many requests) because of the depth and compassion I saw in him, as well as talent with words.

Though I've not experienced the same loss, I found this book a refreshing read, one I'll recommend. When it comes to grieving for a spouse, no healing journey is the same, but Richard offers illustrations from his own walk through grief and practical encouragement like changing your way of thinking. Especially about finding yourself single in a world made for couples. He talks about expanding your horizons, exploring your options, facing holidays and being open to a second chance.

Grieving for the loss of a mate is not easy and there is no standard timetable. You'll find this book filled with compassion and solid truth to apply. It's a reminder that God is beside you in the darkest of days. God is the healer, restorer, and the light will shine again.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Telling It Like It Is", July 31, 2006

By	Dan L. Griffin (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr. Mabry waited long enough to gain some perspective before he took in hand to share the journey from grief to wholeness. He left enough bread crumbs of hope along that path to help any who come behind him in the numbness of sorrow and pain. His practical suggestions about what to do on special days shared with the lost loved one, the clothes that must be dealt with, and the way one can face the future without the guilt of being "unfaithful" the lost spouse will be of invaluable worth to all who walk alone for the first time. Any sufferer who struggles to regain one's balance will find "The Tender Scar" to speak with the authority of experience.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Special Book for A Special Need -- The Ideal Gift, July 28, 2006

By	W. Terry Whalin "Publisher/ Editor / Writer" (Scottsdale, Arizona) - See all my reviews

I love the title of this well-crafted book. There is no greater understanding of the tenderness of a scar than from a physician. It's with the same tenderness and compassion that Dr. Richard Mabry writes about the death of a spouse. He has lived and breathed the content of this book--yet handles this delicate topic with care for the reader.

From his own loss of his spouse, Richard has created a valuable resource for anyone in this special life situation. Often it's difficult to know what to say or what to give someone who has lost a spouse. Here's the perfect gift. The person might not read it immediately (or they might) but the text will be something that will help each reader turn to the comfort of Jesus in the midst of their recovery.

This book is a valuable resource for any pastor or counselor or funeral director. As they read the book, it's a way they can understand and reach out with help to the people in their path. Also this book is another tool which they can give as a practical help. I hope THE TENDER SCAR will be a book which will stand the test of time. I highly recommend it.