From the Publisher
You are not alone.
This book was written for all men who have lost a child, but especially for you. We want you to know that you are not alone. And although no one is grieving exactly like you, we hope the stories and insights from other dads, the spiritual and psychological tools for healing, and other resources this book offers will give you a sense of companionship with other men, and maybe even some healing and direction.
How to Use this Book
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Part I: You Are Not AlonePart I of this book is intended to help you better understand that you are not alone in grieving the death of a child. We look first at what medical science tells us about grief, particularly about how men tend to experience grief. We then visit the stories of biblical and saintly fathers who experienced child loss and draw lessons from their lives and witness their faith. |
Part II: Loss Dads TodayIn part II, you will encounter the loss stories of ten Catholic men and how they each found their path toward healing in the traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. |
Part III: Practical Wisdom, Reflections, Prayers, and Scripture PassagesPart III provides practical advice for grieving fathers; for wives, brothers, and friends of grieving fathers; and for pastors and other priests. |
Passage IV: Tools for the JourneyPart IV offers you a few tools for your journey toward healing, such as mood-screening inventories, space for journaling, and suggestions about where to find additional help. |
Patrick O'Hearn
Patrick O’Hearn is a Catholic author of several books, including Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and a master’s degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville. O’Hearn is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He founded Contemplative Heart Press, works as a freelance editor and a literary consultant.
His work has been featured in the National Catholic Register and Aleteia. O'Hearn has appeared on EWTN’s Women of Grace and At Home with Jim and Joy, EWTN radio, Relevant Radio, and Iowa Catholic Radio.
He and his wife, Amanda, lost two of their four children to miscarriage. The O’Hearns live in North Carolina.
Bryan Feger
Bryan Feger is a scientist and medical writer. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and a doctorate in physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as a high school catechist and as part of Yokefellows Prison Ministry.
After experiencing the loss of three children from miscarriage, he feels called to let other dads know they are not alone, grieving is necessary, and healing is possible.
He lives with his wife and son in Durham, North Carolina.
Kelly and Ryan Breaux
Kelly and Ryan Breaux cofounded Red Bird Ministries following the loss of four of their children—two boys and two girls. The organization helps parents who have lost a child to find healing. Red Bird partners with dioceses and parishes to provide the tools and resources to support families who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.
Ryan and Kelly coauthored Restoring Love. Ryan also contributed to several books published by Red Bird Ministries for group and couple’s programs offered by the organization. Ryan and Kelly provide mental health content for the Hallow app. They have been guests on a number of Catholic radio and TV shows, including At Home with Jim and Joy on EWTN, Rome Reports, the Catholic Faith Network, Seize the Day with Gus Lloyd, and Kresta in the Afternoon. Their work has been featured in the National Catholic Register, Radiant magazine, FemCatholic, Aleteia, and in numerous diocesan publications.