Don't wait to get to the store to buy a sympathy card. Author, Daphne Thompson, has made multiple healing Ecards out of her book, using its beautiful imagery for free! Her goal? To help people grieving the loss of their loved one.
Why would she do such a thing? To promote her book? Sure, what author wouldn't want to promote their book? But, that's not the real reason. You see, I discovered that there are so, so, so FEW books that deal with death, and losing a loved one for children. When I heard this, I was quite overwhelmed with surprise. I had no idea since there are many books for children that are in the marketplace and in circulation. When we think of good reads for children's books, we think of the old standbys like "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" by Bernard Waber, and "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Oh, and yes, that author is me, but I could not help but get the word out since all of this began over having a conversation with one of my big box book retailers whom I cannot mention, but here goes the gist of what was discussed. "Your book deals with a very, very difficult topic that most Children's authors simply avoid. Reason? They're afraid. What's to write about unless you've gone through the death-dying process yourself and can write about it!" I was so taken aback when I heard that! Truly, I was not ready for what she said next.
"The topic of your book is in a classification (Bibliotherapy) that we have so few books on, especially when dealing with children." Wow!" I responded, "That's hard to believe." So after our conversation, I went to GOOGLE to find out exactly what the term bibliotherapy means. Here is what I found. "When using bibliotherapy, a therapist might choose a self-help reference such as a workbook of calming exercises for a person with anxiety. Or, they may select a story with a fictional character that is dealing with grief and trauma from losing a loved one for a client who recently experienced a death in the family." Here's the link to learn more... https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=ba3045e09cda1b17JmltdHM9MTY5MDQxNjAwMCZpZ3VpZD0wYzhjMmE5Ni01ZDgyLTYzZGUtMzU3OC0zOWNkNWNlMDYyYTkmaW5zaWQ9NTc4Nw&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=0c8c2a96-5d82-63de-3578-39cd5ce062a9&psq=bibliotherapy+books+definition+for+loss&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudmVyeXdlbGxtaW5kLmNvbS93aGF0LWlzLWJpYmxpb3RoZXJhcHktNDY4NzE1Nw&ntb=1
What this meant to me was that I needed to get the word out ASAP to reach those who are toughing it out on their own, not having much of an answer to give a child. Especially after the many deaths related to COVID-19. Even though there are non-profit grieving centers for children available, most people do not utilize that source.
So, I created free resources to use for parents online with their book, THE CHRISTMAS TREE WISH that I wrote in 2018. All the resources there are free, from games to educational to now E-cards for most major occasions. Just this past year, many people who would not have otherwise heard about my book, THE CHRISTMAS TREE WISH, have now not only found out about it and bought it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and many other smaller chains and Indy Bookstores around the Country (USA), but who have also participated in my FREE Ecards found online at HOME | Christmas Tree Wish
Now, with Christmas 6 months away, I wanted to say thanks to the many retailers who carry my book, to the NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S GRIEF who selected my book for their 2023 National Symposium, and to the many parents, teachers, and therapists who have purchased online at my site HOME | Christmas Tree Wish
But, there's one more to say thanks to, and that's you! Would you please help us reach more grieving children by simply using our Ecards online, they are FREE! Select your special occasion to send to anybody, NO STRINGS ATTACHED! Connect to local support across the United States on our Find Support page. https://nacg.org/find-support/
Christmas is not the only occasion to pick up this book, although it makes a nice gift to anyone, at any age. On many occasions at Author Signings, people of age 90 who served in active duty, or in a War, came to me crying, thanking me for writing the book. The inspiration is for any age as well as the healing that takes place when one reads its story #christmastreewish
Award Winner of the Mom's Choice Awards, Honoring Excellence
Thompson captures the true essence of the Christmas spirit in this powerful and transcendent story, on Jaxon's Christmas Tree Farm. It's about a young boy’s search for his family, and when Liam discovers his true identity, he overcomes his greatest fears. Beautifully written with Norman Rockwell-like illustrations to lift spirits and remind people how much they are loved.
​
A Deeper Look Inside:
Thompson gives an autobiographical account of her own life's story of transformation and inner divine awakening. She opens to the unknown parts of her Soul on deeper levels than ever before. It's a book about Self-Realization, bringing wisdom to suffering, and offers the space in which to unravel yourself, your busyness, and your mind to be with your voice of Truth and to allow it to come forward for you through the journey of its main character, Liam; a story all can relate to, young or old.
​
This book #christmastreewish can change how you see the world and bring a fresh perspective to your family holiday celebrations. Compelling for all ages and creeds, it is simple — and complex in its message of hope for new beginnings.
There's more! I'm not only offering FREE valuable resources at your disposal on my website, but I am also gifting my time and effort to reach everybody - each and every individual suffering the loss of losing someone special by autographing my book with a special note address to them to make it personal. This is not an effort to sell more books. Usually, authors only sign their books at special signings or big book events for the reason that it has only fewer signed copies in circulation and they do not want to use up all their time signing a special message in every book.
As an added bonus for all you texters, some brief advice on how to craft a message to someone grieving the loss of someone special in their life without overdoing it. They will know you are genuine without having to try so hard.
Give them the option to respond, you might text something like "It's OK not to respond."
Reach out with compassion and fewer words, but do so with a sincere tone to your voice that they will hear once they open and read your text, such as "This must be a most difficult time for you, I'm deeply sorry for your loss."
An oversight that many of us make is not to listen. Let your person know you are available to listen when they need to talk.
Send some encouragement -it goes a long way. Try, "Sending you a warm hug wrapped in love"
Share a story, a funny moment, or a brave and heroic event that reminds all who are involved about that special person in their life. Chances are they will share that story with others later because perhaps even they forgot!
Offer some help. Maybe just the thought of you helping out can offer someone solace and reprieve from their day of grieving. Many like to prepare a meal, but assistance such as grocery shopping or pet or child sitting can take the load off.
Other Ways To Send A Message of Hope & Comfort
Sending a physical card or personal note can be helpful, but think about it, many are overwhelmed by the influx of cards coming through after the loss of someone. How about try sending an Ecard like this one? https://www.christmastreewish.com/?lightbox=dataItem-ky0joadn You can even include a personalized note!
Have questions?
We’re here to help! Send us an email at sayhello@christmastreewish.com