An Empty Cradle, a Full Heart: Reflections for Mothers and Fathers After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death, Paperback

``Bereavement after the loss of a baby is often quiet and lonely,`` writes Christine O'Keeffe Lafser, who has twice lost a child to death. ``There is no wake or funeral, no grave site, no memorial to our baby's life or death. . . . Since there are no real memories of our little one's life, people have a hard time comprehending the depth of our love and grief.`` In these reflections, Lafser offers grieving parents the empathy and courage that can come only from one who has walked the same difficult path.
``Chris expressed so many of my thoughts and feelings and made me feel so normal. . . . The greatest gift is learning that God does not desert us in our time of need.``
Linda Davis, Compassionate Friends, after miscarriage and stillbirth
``The juxtaposition of a Scripture text with each reflection is inspired. Some of the texts are breathtaking in their beauty and appropriateness. This book is a 'must' for anyone who is ever touched by the loss of an infant.``
Joseph Awad, poet and grieving grandfather
``This book will be very helpful for parents who are mourning the loss of their child. It will also prove very beneficial to anyone who is ministering to a bereaved parent.``
Robert N. Craig, O.F.M. Cap., hospital chaplain
``These reflections allowed me to 'be' how I was feeling--not feel like I should be going through the stages of grief that other books described. With this book I was no longer a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.``
Jeanette Siebels, after infant death