Nursery of Heaven

When we were in the seminary preparing for priestly ministry, they tried to train us for everything, yet one single piece of advice was invaluable, “The best lessons will be learned after you are ordained. Try to pursue the perspective of perpetual learning.” What a person experiences in life, a priest may go through in a single day: birth, baptism, communion, confession, marriage, death. Every morning we wonder what will happen and every evening we beg God’s grace for the burdens of the day. How to pastorally accompany those who have lost a baby is one of those delicate situations that require the wisdom of experience. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss is a painful experience that requires a sensitive pastoral approach. Some situations are so painful that the witness of those who have walked the same path is the only way forward. It is this insight that makes Nursery of Heaven a powerful resource for those struggling with the loss of a child. Over the years I have learned from listening to those who shared what was helpful and what was not. If a joy shared is twice the joy, then a sorrow shared is half the sorrow. Nursery of Heaven is a perfect companion for those who have lost a child and those who seek to accompany them.

Unabashedly, I shed many tears reading this book; yes, sadness is truly part of entering into the mystery of pain and loss, yet few books have so filled my spirit with joy and hope. Authors Cassie Everts and Patrick O’Hearn weave together multiple instances of childhood loss—born and unborn—in the lives of the saints, in their own lives, and in the lives of others into a masterpiece of Christian faith, hope, and love. The title evokes the beautiful mystery of the fellowship of the children of God and the reality of Heaven, where God has promised to wipe every tear away. In addition to very down-to-earth walking with parents who have endured painful loss, this book offers sound psychological advice for the grieving and their friends as well as beautiful and heartfelt prayers to raise the spirit to heaven and intercede for those in need. Having lost two siblings to miscarriage and several nieces and at least one nephew, this book not only helped me to grieve their loss, but to remember to turn to them in prayer and celebrate their joy in heaven with God. Some lives unfold on earth for a longer time while others are caught up quickly to the throne of God, yet we are all united in the One who loves us. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all parents who are grieving over the loss of a miscarriage, stillborn, or young child as well as to all persons of goodwill who have the compassion to walk with those who suffer. You will be happier and more hope-filled for having read it!