Jason's Journey

When he opened his eyes that morning, eight-year-old Jason could tell something was terribly wrong. He looked through the door of his room to the hallway. The preacher was there, and some people whom he didn't know were milling around. Then Mom came into the room. Her face was pale. Her eyes were red. She quietly told him the horrible news: his father had killed himself. That moment started a whirlwind in his heart and mind that would last for a long, long time. Full of questions, he struggled in the months to come to find answers. Although Mom was immersed in her own grief, she tried to help him find the strength and understanding that could lead him through the darkness. This is the true story of a young boy who faced one of the most devastating situations in human existence: the suicide death of a parent. As seen through the eyes and felt in the heart of a child, the story will help caregivers gain an understanding of how the pain and reactions of grieving children differ from those of adults. The reader can find ways to help the grieving child in their life by reading about the journey of one who has experienced it and has been able to go on with his life. The story carries with it a strong message of hope and resolution for both the child and the caregiver. It will give insight into the thoughts of a child who is suffering a traumatic loss and provide tools to help the caregiver care for themselves as well. Fran Cote' is a transplanted southern lady who lives in the beautiful Ozark hills of Missouri. She holds a Master of Arts in counseling and worked in the mental health field for twenty years, specializing in adolescent and family therapy. She has taught undergraduate college classes and self-help seminars on stress management.