P.S I miss You
April 30, 2008 by Anna Farmery
Filed under Grief
We often regret what we didn’t say to our loved ones when we are bereaved. I was reading about a new book called P.S.I Miss You which is described as “a powerful new book has been published that is giving families a much-needed venue to express their grief over the love ones they lost tragically.”
One of the bereaved says
“This book is full of the things we want to say but don’t have the opportunity,” said Moneca Melan, Melissa’s mother. “Some people say it’s really sad, but it’s an expression of grief that is really powerful.”
I agree that it is expressing your grief that is so powerful. Too often as widows and widowers, we keep our emotions in and that restricts our journey through our grief.
To purchase a copy of the book, visit the FACT website at www.familiesagainstcrime.org or contact Melan through Melissa’s memorial website at www.livetrueformelissa.net.
I believe death is not the end. Our loved ones are there beside us all the time. We cannot see them because they have entrered a higher frequency. They kinow we love them and always have. Love does not always have to speak.They are aware 0f our thoughts. even now, after four months of his passing I feel his presence and I know he knows what I am going through. He is with me.
Irena
They are wonderful words and thoughts. I too feel the same….I feel lonely but I never feel alone. Have you ever had a dream or “seen” him?
P.S. I Miss You…
A Book of Poetry & Remembrance
When Families Against Crime & Trauma (F.A.C.T.) and its members first decided to put together a book of poetry, we really didn’t even know how to begin. Sandra Martins-Toner began by asking families and friends who had lost a loved one to submit their poems, photos, tributes and memorials. The book seemed to immediately take on a life of its own.
Four women from across Canada who had never met were able to put this book together in hopes of helping others. Sandra, one of the founders & Executive Director of F.A.C.T., called upon Moneca Melan for her help in illustrating the book, and then she was lucky enough to cross paths with Cindy Vautour-Smith, who designed the book, and Kathleen Mortensen who wrote an amazing piece of poetry for the introduction. Together from across the miles these women worked together putting all the tributes and poems that had been submitted together to create this amazing little book.
The book was launched during F.A.C.T.’S First Annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week Event in Burnaby, BC, and was soon followed by a media blitz in Sherwood Park, AB. Home of Moneca Melan, the artist featured in the book.
Moneca can attest to the pain a mother feels due to the loss of a child to a crime, and this is reflected in her artwork throughout the book. The pages are filled with tributes, stories & poetry in memory of those we have lost to a violent crime.
Moneca was recently quoted in the Sherwood Park Newspaper saying “This book is full of the things we want to say but don’t have the opportunity, some people say it’s really sad, but it’s an expression of grief that is really powerful.” Moneca, who has been painting to help her deal with the grief, contributed all the artwork for the 40-page book.
“This has helped me so much. The artwork has kept me alive.”
The women were shocked by the response to the book. Members, supporters, friends and family bought the books even before they had been printed. The first run of books they ordered would be completely sold out within 2 days of receiving them. Had it not been for the kindness of Aaron Chapman, at UPS Store 219, in Oshawa, ON, we would not have been able to afford the first run, but he allowed the organization to pay just a deposit on the books, and allow us the time to sell them all. Orders have continued to come in from others who have suffered a loss or those who believe in our cause.
A request for a second edition of the book has been the latest question from others, so that they can contribute their memorials, and poems. F.A.C.T. has not ruled this idea out, but would like to wait at least a year to get this book out there before we launch a second edition.
There are so many that we would like to thank for helping us to create this beautiful book, but we think those we should really thank for helping us are looking down upon us from heaven.
This is for all those who have lost a child, mother, father, brother, or sister due to a violent crime. You are not alone, and you don’t have to suffer alone. If this book can help ease some pain, or just help another to understand that it’s okay to feel what you are feeling, then our work here is done. I hope that the lives of our loved ones will not have been in vain; that this book gives a glimpse into the reality of today’s world; that together, as a society, we can change our Justice System so that our grandchildren will not have to live in fear.
This book of poetry is dedicated to all those we have lost to a violent crime….
P.S. We Miss You…
For more information on the book, or to order your copy of P.S. I Miss You…Please visit our website at http://www.familiesagainstcrime.org
Sandra Martins-Toner
Founder/Executive Director F.A.C.T.
Sandra Martins-Toner
Executive Director F.A.C.T.
http://www.familiesagainstcrime.org
http://www.matthewmartinstribute.com
sandra@familiesagainstcrime.org