The Forgotten Mourners: Sibling Survivors of Suicide / John's Sister

Honorable Mention, Inspirational Category

20th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards 

“This book is invaluable for its brevity, wealth of information, and the emotional account of the author's experience. She ends the book on a hopeful note, acknowledging that although she will always miss her brother, she will also always hold him close to her, in her heart."

-- Rheta Van Winkle, BookLoons Reviews, 2013

This book is meant for anyone who has lost a brother or sister to suicide – and those who want to support them. Any loss is difficult, but a loss to suicide is heightened because of the helplessness and confusion surrounding it. A sibling loss to suicide is even more unique because the sibling(s) left behind are often forgotten – mourning the loss of their brother or sister alone in the shadows of their parents’ grief.  

This book discusses some of the distinct challenges sibling survivors of suicide face, such as: 

§  What can I expect during the grieving process as a sibling survivor of suicide?

§  How can I take care of myself?

§  How do I answer questions about my now-departed sibling?

§  What can I do to get through the holidays and anniversaries?

§  How do I keep my brother or sister alive in my life, without him or her physically present?

Magdaline answers these questions and more directly from her experience following the loss of her 18 year-old brother, John, to suicide in November 2001. Hopefully, her story will give readers a small piece of strength, faith, and peace in navigating the long road to healing ahead.