Is Grandpa in Heaven Forever?
Kate Mahrholz
Paperback
(Dog Ear Publishing, LLC, Nov. 17, 2016)
We have been given this world as a gift, and we are only on it for a very short while. This book and the concepts described within are intended to teach children that despite the sadness associated with loss, also comes peace, and a different type of love. Each section of the book was inspired by questions actually asked of me by my 4 year old son. The purpose is to explain the concept of Heaven and loss in simple, easy to understand, and loving terms. Its goal was to present these concepts in a fashion that is not scary and based on death, per se, but rather on the legacy and love left behind.Is Grandpa In Heaven Forever? was inspired my own, very recent, experience with my Dad's passing. When faced with trying to explain it to my 4 year old son, and 2 year old daughter, I needed to find a way to express the events and permanence in a manner that would not be anxiety or fear provoking for their young minds. We visited our own local library and found one book on Heaven, and in my opinion it was geared towards older kids in words and concept.The book was drawn from questions my son actually asked and pondered himself, and me, from which I don't know where the answers truly came.I know that this book would be useful to so many families like my own with young children who experience loss, sometimes unexpectedly, and not fully grasping how to comprehend the longevity of it. That we can't go visit heaven, or see our loved ones can be pretty heavy stuff for a 4 year old's mind.While writing this book, for me, was cathartic, I hope that it is able to be shared with many others to give a sense of hope, peace, and calm amongst those who have experienced loss and have to explain it to very young children.