A Fistful of Agates

Rating:
Summary: Thank you Jane!
Review: Jane is an incredibly gifted writer! Once I started reading her letters to Tommy I could not put the book down! Each letter portrays such unconditional love, honesty and vulnerability, after I finished the book (two days later) I felt as if I had known Wipf's for years. This book allowed me see death from a different perspective and helped me through an unexpected death of a loved one just months after I finished the book. Thanks Jane for opening your heart to all of us!!

Rating:
Summary: A Book of Courage, Heart & Inspiration
Review: This moving, emotional book should be required reading for every parent!

It is a collection of letters and essays Wipf wrote to her son, Tommy, during and shortly after his death from a rare genetic disease. It is incredibly powerful. You will cry, you will laugh, you will be touched and changed by this book. In my opinion, Wipf has given us one of the most intimate, touching and honest books ever written.

Mostly, of course, her letters are heart-breaking in their joy and love for her son, but the greatest gift is her honesty. At times she is angry. At times her Tommy is... well, a little boy, full of mischief and profoundly annoying. He may be sick with a deadly disease, but he still wants what he wants, right now! Those letters, by themselves, will be profoundly healing for anyone who has lost a loved one and feels guilt or confusion or shame over the range of their emotions, which naturally include anger at times.

Having read this marvelous little book, I am changed. The morning air seems fresher, my wife's touch seems warmer and more precious. As the Buddhists say, all things are "impermanent" and we must hold onto the joys and riches of life while we can.

Do yourself a favor and get this little book! First, read it. Then, share it with people you love. Give a copy to someone who has lost a loved one to illness or tragedy. Ms Wipf has done something magnificent and those who read her words will be wiser and more joyful for it.

I was amazed and a bit disheartened when my local bookstore didn't have it. I was even more surprised when I found I was the first one to review it at Amazon! This book deserves to be on your shelf - for your own growth, and so you'll be able to give to someone who needs it when the time comes. Buy this book!