Forensic pathologist Janis Amatuzio first began recording the stories told to her by patients, police officers, and other doctors because she felt that no one spoke for the dead. She believed the real experience of death — namely, the spiritual and otherworldly experiences of those near death and their loved ones — was ignored by the medical professionals, who thought of death as simply the cessation of breath. She knew there was more. From the first experience of a patient in her care dying to the miraculous "appearances" of loved ones after death, she began recording these experiences. Dr. Amatuzio found that by telling the story of their death to a loved one, she could help bring some sense of completion to the grieving family and friends. Written by a scientist in approachable, nonjudgmental language for anyone who has lost someone they love, this book offers stories that can't be explained in purely physical terms.

Note from Laurie: Not only do I own this book and highly recommend it to anyone who feels the need to hear that our loved ones never really leave us but Dr. Amatuzio is our coroner. She is the one who autopsied my son and dealt with letting us know they could not find a cause of death. She took all the time we needed to answer our questions then and later. She is a very kind person and, after meeting her, I felt better about having my son's body autopsied. She mentioned his freckles and I knew then that she had not looked at him as just "a body" but as someone's son, brother, grandson, etc.

Beyond Knowing: Mysteries and Messages of Death and Life from a Forensic Pathologist

Leo F. Buscagli, Ph.D.

As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns about the delicate balance between life and death.

Originally published in the fall of 1982, the wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story of a leaf named Freddie has become one of the most popular books of our times. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with a winter's snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.

After offering solace for a generation of adults and children alike, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf arrives in a classic edition with a beautiful new package that will appeal to today's readers at a time when stories of comfort and inspiration have become more important than ever.

This book is a gem.... and an inspiration to anyone who has ever taken a ride on the roller coaster of life and tried to keep both sense of humor and sanity intact.

This is the classic book for parents whose child has died - and for all who want to help them. Many such parents feel that no one can help because no one can understand the complex ramifications of their tragedy: the exhaustion, the quarrels with mates, the sleeplessness, the panic, the inertia, the horror of laughter - all the seemingly endless aftermath of sorrow and despair. Yet, because she herself is a bereaved mother, Harriet Sarnoff Schiff is able to give genuine comfort. If you have lost a child, you know that pain like yours cannot be erased, and Schiff does not attempt to do so. Instead, she offers guidelines and practical step-by-step suggestions to help you cope with every stage of grief, from facing the funeral to rebuilding your marriage. Her book will convince you that you, too, can find your way back to the land of the living.

Note: this is an older book but it can still be found at sites that sell used books.