Be the one who shares the light that was mine. Honor me now by letting yours shine.
Grief. Whether you’re one or ninety-two, it’s a big emotion to handle. That’s why I’m so thankful to have met Melissa Lyons, author of I Will Always Love You, A Journey From Grief and Loss to Hope and Love who approaches loss in a gentle way.
A way that will give courage to feel sad, to take your time to feel your feelings, but also courage to move forward. This book is written for children, but it’s perfect for each and every one of us who need a helping hand in moving from grief and loss to love and hope.
Melissa offers a reading of I Will Always Love You here.
Here’s what else she had to say about her book:
Tell us a little bit about your book:
This book changes lives. Written from the perspective of a loved one who is no longer living in our physical world, I Will Always Love You, A Journey From Grief and Loss to Hope and Love, gives its readers the opportunity to create their own experience and healing.
Providing comfort, encouraging forgiveness and offering permission to live with joy and love, especially during times of sadness, this story speaks to people of all ages. It is common for readers to share that they feel that their own loved one is speaking to them through the words and messages.
“For everyone big or small, for the child who lives within us all. These words were sent to comfort you. Take time to read them, you’ll know what to do.”
What led you to become an author?
An unexpected channeling experience brought the words of I Will Always Love You, A Journey from Grief and Loss to Hope and Love, to life. The book illuminated my path as an author and connected me to my life purpose, which is helping people connect to their own light and find their own paths.
Who were you before becoming an author?
Before the experience of channeling my own book, I was many things as I searched for more meaning and purpose in my life. I was a corporate employee, then an entrepreneur and now I am one who helps others find their own paths too.
What inspired you to write this book?
Looking back, my inspiration came from trying to heal my own wounds and find peace in my troubled heart. I believe that my work is meant to touch people of all ages, with its simple delivery and gentle rhyming nature, it provides pathways to greater insight and healing in all of us.
What was your favorite part of writing?
My favourite part of writing is experiencing the power of the words as they unfold uniquely for each reader, especially me. It is witnessing the impact that the messages in my books have for those who need them most.
My favourite part is definitely the impact and opportunity that the stories offer their readers.
What do you think kids and parents will love about it?
Families love the conversations that unfold after reading I Will Always Love You. Sometimes difficult conversations are missed and/or ignored as parents and kids alike try to ‘be strong’. This book helps families embrace fresh perspectives and keep the best memories alive. It also provides an opportunity to answer and address questions, fears and emotions that might otherwise be left overlooked.
What do you hope will be the main takeaway for kids and parents?
I hope that families focus on the messages that mean the most to them. We all have our own healing and lessons to learn.
My own favourite takeaway lessons from my reading include:
I have one last wish and it’s part of a theme. It’s you choosing to choose to follow your dream.
Open your mind and change as you need. Embrace new directions; see where they lead.
Be the one who shares the light that was mine. Honor me now by letting yours shine.
Trust that I’m free and home at last. Cherish each moment, life goes by so fast.
Is there a part in the book that everyone seems to love?
Many people love reading about paying attention to signs that are left by loved ones. It seems to speak to everyone in a unique and comforting way.
Is there a part in the book that your own kids love?
My own kids love the reminder that we feel best when we focus on things that make us feel good. They taught me that they want to have their sadness recognized and understood and I have helped them move from that point towards a point of feeling better. We learned this together.
What kind of reactions have you received?
Heartwarming reactions from readers are abundant. They express their gratitude for the assistance and support they feel as they read the story. Kids and adults alike share similar sentiments.
One of the most touching stories I have received back is one in which a 12 year old daughter waited until all of the guests had left the funeral home and she pulled a chair up to her mother’s casket and read her the story. Even as I write this to you now, years later, I still get teary thinking about the moment. Stories such as this one warm my heart.
Is there a message you want all kids to know?
- Yes. Shine your light bright. Do it for your loved one. If you can’t find a way to shine, then talk about it with someone who can help you.
- Healing is so important and all of the emotions need some safe space to be heard before shifting into feeling better.
- Take time to cry and be sad and then choose to remember to be happy and live with joy.
What’s next for you?
My next book in this line is called You Are A Gift (current title). It is focused on bringing new life into the world.
Teaser: “Inside a mommy’s tummy a baby once grew and that incredible gift turned out to be you!”
Thank you, Melissa Lyons for this gentle approach to Grief and Loss. Truly, this book is a life-changer for any kid and kid-at-heart.
Melissa is also author of Until We Meet Again, From Grief to Hope After Losing a Pet – a book dedicated to hope and love for our pets too.
“I Will Always Love You – A Journey From Grief and Loss to Hope and Love” is available on Amazon and Amazon Canada