Martha Whitmore Hickman

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Dear Martha,I first came across your book "Healing After Loss"two months'after the loss of my wonderful 21 yr.son.A dear friend had taken me to lunch to"cheer"me up...we were going through a small bookstore, when I came across your wonderful book.That was ten yrs'ago!I still read your book every day.The passages in it have a different meaning for me now than they did in those dark months'following his death.I cannot thank you enough for your beautiful and soothing words.They have helped me get through some very dark days and nights!!!

Dear Martha,
I feel like I know you. I started reading your "Healing After Loss" 14 months ago when our 12 year old daughter died in a skiing accident. My husband and I have 3 sons, and our daughter had previously done some horseback riding. I read your book over and over during these (still) dark and difficult days. I am inspired by your ability to move forward- especially finding joy in family and your sons and grandchildren. Sometimes it seems like only one who has walked in these shoes can begin to understand. Thank you for your books. Linda Serpe serpe@aol.com

I too would like to thank-you for your book "Healing After Loss". We lost our amazing, talented and handsome 24-year old son Marc 3 months ago. I have read and researched many books and websites dealing with grief. Your book,in particular has been so helpful and comforting. I cannot believe how each and every quote and thought in your book has assisted me in dealing with our son's passing. I can easily relate to each page. How fortunate I was to have found your book. You're an angel....thank-you, thank-you thank-you. Michael Arnault in Calgary, Alberta canada

Just wanted to thank you for your book Healing after loss. I've bin reading every day for three years since my 18 year old son died. Thank for helping get through every day with your words of wisdom. God defiantly had a plan for you.

John L

Hi, Martha! I went to Edgehill during the time you and Hoyt were there (in the late 70's, early 80's mostly). Currently, I work as a grief counselor at Alive Hospice in Nashville. We often read from AND recommend your "Healing After Loss" book. I was hunting for you today because I am in search of a writers' group. I recall an article in the Tennessean years ago featuring you and your writers' group! If you remember me, I write songs, too. I wrote a song when I joined Edgehill called "No Better Day." I would love for you to contact me - if you like - at ruth@ruthwilliams.com. My maiden name was Ruth Ransdell. I have a masters in Church and Community from Scarritt is how I "found" Edgehill. (I then went on and got my MSSW from UTCSW.) So glad to hear you are doing well! Sending blessings and thanks for your marvelous contributions through the years - in so many ways! In JOY, Ruth

Thank you for your book "A Day of Rest". After a lay-off last year, I tossed myself head first into a doctoral program. I'm not done it yet, but I'm done all but one course in the course phase. I just wrapped up the most recent semester this week and will start the next semester in about three weeks.

Reading over your book, "A Day of Rest", helped to remind me that a fallow field does yield a better crop in terms of quality and quantity.

I think that I first heard of your book from the MHC Quarterly. You mentioned western MA in the book. I'm trying to figure out, did you attend MHC?

Thanks again for your book!

Nina Dowlin

Dorothy shared your website. So glad to feel like I had a visit with you. So glad to hear that you and Hoyt are doing well and happy in California. Edgehill surely was the looser in that move. Take care and keep writing.
Dan McEachern

Thank you for your book Healing After Loss. I lost my son (33 years old) in an accident last November and have not been myself since. But reading your daily notes somehow is soothing. My son and I were very close, so he is missed dearly. Thank you. jose

Hi Martha, I forgot to give you MY email address: beryl.ingram@fumcbellevue.org. thanks

Martha, I am absolutely THRILLED to see the notices for The Walls Come Tumbling Down. I loved the word plays in "Jericho Rhodes." So, I hope you'll send me your email, or at least ask Hoyt to send me his. If I can find a way would you two come to Seattle area for a book signing, etc.???? I have wanted to get Hoyt up here forever and this is great impetus!!!!!!! Also, hello to him from someone he went either to college or Epworth League with, maiden name Genevive Chisolm (? I may have the wrong last name) Her married name was Tomlinson. Anyway, I would love to be in touch. thank you for putting me on the mailing list. Beryl Ingram

When my husband died unexpectedly (of a heart attack) on 12/31/08 (at the age of 60), his sister gave me your book "Healing After Loss". She had received your book as a gift when her husband died of lung cancer at the age of 51. What a wonderful book! Since receiving your book, I've purchased at least 10 copies to give to others when a family has died. Every one has thanked me for your book and commented that it's been a wonderful source of comfort each day. Thank you for your compassion, talent & spirituality.
Ruth Orem, Sun City West, AZ


I hope you are doing well. Do you have a new email address?


I have tried to email you and have your emails returned from youtome@marthawhitmorehickman.com Do you have a new address?


Dear Martha, Our wonderful almost 23 year old son committed suicide this past August after battling bipolar disorder for many years. I am so unbelievably sad. Our grief counselor read to us from your book "Healing After Loss" and I have found it to be extremely comforting. It is part of my daily routine as I struggle to put my life back together. Thank you so much for your work.


your website mentioned an essay on the loss of your Dad. I recently lost my Dad and it is just so hard. He lived a long and wonderful and happy life...we all adored him. So, I am curious to read anything about the loss of a father...thanks so much...Pattie Morrison pmorrison57@comcast.net


dear Martha--My darling daughter Stephanie, a graduate of Brandeis U committed suicide three years ago this Thanksgiving after being on medication since 1992 for Depression. It's a long story...I, myself retired from a community college two weeks ago My husband and I and our other two daughters have read many books this past three years on grief. Yours has been especially comnforting. It's our daily reading this past year and I have given a few copies to other grieving parents. Thank you. My daughter left many poems - her degrees were in English and American Lit as is mine...as well as short stories. Also, I have kept journals of her illness over the past 14 years. So far I have only written many 'slices of life' pieces..I'm hoping that in the New Year I will be able to bring myself to put together our story... it's been most helpful reading your Web site, Biography etc., Joan White


Martha- I love this website- full of information about you, your family and your books! Isn't technology wonderful! Nancy Ware


I have just read 'such good people' after finding it in a second hand shop and want you to know it touched me. I'm so sorry you lost your daughter and all the things that her life lived longer would have brought to you. Thank you for writing about her and your life, I wish you joy and peace, and much success with such eloquent and thoughtful writing. Annie, Australia Annie, Australia


Hi Martha: I would like to contact you. Please advise an address. Thank you. Diana Stephenson


Martha, love your new website! EEPs Creeps and The Reason I haven't finished.... bring back such fun memories! Love you too, Margaret Howell


Awesome website! Crisp, accessible, inviting. It helps, of course, that the subject of the website is a bit awesome herself.


Well Done...I like the insights into your work! karen nashville, tn

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Dear Martha, I read all the comments in the DISCUSSION portion of your website. HEALING AFTER LOSS is a unanimous tool for helping grievers get through. My Mom left for the Other Side, last year. Each morning I look forward to your beautiful meditations to start my day. You are eloquent, wise, and present with your comforting words. I feel PEACE as I read and an understanding that I'm part of something larger than I am able to name. Thank You so much, Jill jillmenecker@ymail.com

Dear Martha,

I can't tell you how much your book "Healing after Loss" is helping me right now. I lost my 26 yr. old son, my only child, in mid-December. He died suddenly and under tragic circumstances. A co-worker gave me your book, and I keep it on my bedside table. I read each day's message, and I am amazed with your words, as they often echo my exact grief level and thoughts. I can tell that you have experienced a deep loss just as I have.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book. Your messages mean so much to me as I face each challenging day and try to move on with my life.

TH
Greenville, NC

Martha,

Thank you so much for writing your book Healing after Loss. My wife passed away last year at age 38 and I was really struggling with, well everything. I tried reading other grief books, but just did not have the attention span. The short daily themes and messages you wrote were perfect for my short attention span and "grieving brain." There were many daily themes that helped me immensely, but my four favorites were Jan. 9, March 18, May 4, and Dec. 18.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've been telling everyone I know about your book.

All my best, Dave Haworth
(dphaworth@verizon.net)

Dear Ms. Hickman, we here at Suncoast Hospice are holding a book drive for our community library. Our library benefits our community and hospice families. We are especially looking for books on the subject of Grief and was wondering if you would be able to donate a couple of your wonderful books to our library.

Sincerely,
Sandy McLaughlin
Suncoast Hospice
5771 Roosevelt Blvd.
Clearwater FL 33785

727-523-3472
sandymclaughlin@thehospice.org
www.thehospice.org

Martha, I can't begin to tell you how much comfort your book, Healing After Loss, was for me. I lost my 23 year old son in an accident over 6 years ago. Someone gave me your book and I found myself anxious to read it daily. I still keep it handy and read it on occasion. Thank you so much for your insight, and for taking time to share it with us. Wanda F.

Martha, I discovered your web site while looking to see if "I Will Not Leave You Desolate" is back in print. The daughter of the pastor of Glendale Baptist Church was killed in tragic accident this week, and I immediately thought of you (I think of you and Hoyt often on happy occasions also). I'm thrilled that you have a new novel! Love to you both. Dorothy Gager (dorothy.gager@gmail.com)

Aftr reading the comments made by the others, I don't really have anything different to say or add. I recevied your little book Healing After Loss unexpectedly, after the death of my husband and soulmate in May 2009. Words can't convey how almost every page gets right to the core of how I'm feeling. Other than a couple of my dearest friends, your book has been there for me and continues to help me every day. I felt I had to let you know.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Susan B

Dear Martha, 12 years ago when my best friend died, a counselor gave me your book Healing after Loss. Since that time I have offered it to at least a dozen people, as they bravely face life after the death of a love one. Last October my almost 94 year old mom died, and every day since I have taken comfort in your book. Thank you for wisdom, insight, courage and resourcefulness in guiding us through what always feels like uncharted terrain. I thank you at the end of each page for the meditations and prayers you shared. Ilene Kasper. ileneKK@msn.com

P.S. I also bought the book, Healing After Loss, for my adult daughter so she could have one with her every day. I plan to keep reading mine even after the first anniversary of my husband's death. So many of your thoughts,etc are worth being reminded of as time passes. Cass Price

Thank you so much for writing Healing After Loss! My husband of 35yrs. died in March 2009. I read your book each night when I go to bed. The quotes, the readings, and the final little thoughts are so meaningful and help me feel that I can get through this sad time. The way you write makes me feel that you care about me. Cass Price

Dear Martha, I lost my husband of 35 years last June; a summer I am not apt to forget any time soon. A grief counselor recommended I get a copy of "Healing After Loss". I read from this powerful little book daily; often revisiting certain sections. It helps me in ways I didn't feel were possible. It lends various perspectives (providing some of the necessary tools needed) to sort through the maze of my deep and overwhelming grief. Thank you so much for this work of art. May you experience as much of life's goodness as you can possibly stand.


Martha, we lost our beautiful 17 year old son at christmas 2000 and while on a visit to USA in sept 2001 we found your " healing after loss" and we just want to say thank you for helping us to get thru each day, god bless you and your family. Rodger and Imelda Mc Mahon, Ireland


Dear Martha, My sister gave me "Healing After Loss" after the sudden death of my 3yr old son. I thank you for this because it is helping me to get through the most difficult time of my life. Jacquelyn B, CA


I had the privilege of reading Such Good People- it is beautifully written, and Martha Hickman captures the range of human emotion in such a real and genuine way. A beautiful book. Nancy Ware


Wonderful thoughtful books for all ages. CAS, Nashville.


Your writing is captivating, witty, beautiful, and so human. Martha, you have a gift for genuinely sensing the experiences of child or adult, and finding just the right words. ... Phyllis Jean, Nashville

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Dear Martha,
As I was preparing once again to send your book Healing after Loss to friends that lost a son, I wanted to read your biography. Thank you for having an accessible easy spot to say Thank you for the only book of the many I received 18 months ago after the death of my son, that didn't make me mad sad or angry to now be in "this Club" . To have a friend in a book that understood and gave me 1 minute of peace helped me take a step at a time. Thank you!!!!

My priest suggested that I read Healing After Loss after my sister's death in October. I didn't think that I could concentrate enough to read, but the daily messages are so meaningful,thought provoking - and short, a great cure for inattentiveness - that I find that I look forward to a message each day. Since September when my sister became ill, the time right after waking up was always the hardest time for me. Your messages have helped me to face the day. I am not a journal writer but I find that the messages are so thought provoking, I make notes in the margins of the book. It gives me a daily assessment of where I have been in my thinking and emotions. Writing has truly helped me to keep in touch with my progress through grief. I would love to suggest that there would be a second printing of Healing After Loss that would include an area on each page where one could write. Many of us can't journal without some encouragement - for me, the messages give me that encouragement and the ability to get in touch with my feelings at the moment. I have given Healing After Loss to a number of people and have suggested that we keep it in our church bookstore. Thank you so much for this wonderful book. It is very comforting to have a collection of messages that was born through grieving. You have great understanding of others. Marilee, Dallas Texas


Suggestion for new books: Something that specifically addresses spousal loss.


Have you written for teenagers? Pull from your own tribe, although now grown!

Thanks for the suggestion. But, even though that age is much closer, more recent in my experience, than 5,6,7-yr olds, I don't feel I know as well who they are-- I think because I was sick and in bed for a long time during those years and had a lot of time to ruminate. This is not uncommon for writers. De Goncourt has written:"Sickness sensitizes a person for observation, like a photographic plate."