Finalist, USA Best Book Award, 2017

Unbelievable. Unthinkable. Traumatic.

Whatever words we choose, they all fall far short of the reality.  

The loss of a child is a terrible thing. How do we survive this? Can we?

Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child was written to help.

Bestselling author, hospice chaplain, and grief specialist Gary Roe uses his three decades of experience interacting with grieving parents to give us this heartfelt, easy-to-read, and intensely practical book. In Shattered, Roe walks the reader through the powerful impact a child’s death can have - emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally, and spiritually.

• Intense, unpredictable emotions can hijack us at a moment’s notice.
• Our minds spin. We forget things. It feels like we’re going crazy.
• Our bodies get hit. Our health can be impacted.
• Our souls feel crushed, shaking our faith and what we think we believe.
• Our relationships change. A deep loneliness of the heart can set in.
• Our plans and dreams are shattered. We’re now in uncharted territory.

Yes, the loss of a child affects everything.

In Shattered, you will discover how to…

• Manage the massive changes that are occurring in your life
• Take care of yourself during this process
• Honor your child with your grief
• Love those around you, even with a broken heart
• Live life as well as possible while in the midst of great pain
• Make your child's life count in deep and powerful ways

Shattered is not a magic pill. The death of a child cannot be fixed. But comfort, compassion, guidance, and hope can be found in these pages.

We will never be the same, but we can survive. And to some degree, we can heal. Shattered can help.

To see the Shattered videos, click here: Gary, Michelle

What others are saying: 

“In Shattered, Gary Roe utilizes the stories and journeys of many bereaved parents to walk the reader from shock to hope. Gary is no stranger to the reality of grief and utilizes his unique empathy and understanding gained though a lifetime of working with the bereaved to create a truly healing book.” – Glen Lord, bereaved parent, President/CEO, The Grief Toolbox; President, National Board of Directors, The Compassionate Friends

"Few people truly comprehend the unique and challenging grief experiences of bereaved parents. Yet Gary Roe not only understands but also offers hope, healing, and compassion. As a bereaved parent and also as a professional who has worked with bereaved parents, I would highly recommend Shattered.” - Peggy Telg, bereaved parent, Independent Bereavement Educator

"Shattered is a sensitive, compassionate, and thorough treatment of an extremely emotional and difficult subject. Bereaved parents and grandparents everywhere will benefit from this heartfelt book and find some healing and hope in its pages." – Paul Casale, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor

“There isn't a book that can be written to explain exactly how we feel, but Shattered is no doubt the closest I've seen. Thanks to Gary Roe for helping us speak and giving our shattered lives a voice.” – Michelle Jeter, bereaved parent, author of A Legacy of a Lifetime

“In Shattered, Gary Roe uniquely and delicately addresses the devastating subject of losing a child. This book will be an excellent resource, not only for bereaved parents, but also for those who support them.” – Joangeli Kasper, Licensed Professional Counselor

“There’s nothing more devastating and painful in life than the loss of a child. The challenge of living life after such an event is staggering. Shattered is a source of compassionate insight into a truly difficult topic, the handiwork of Gary Roe’s efforts to bring hope and healing.” – Dr. Craig Borchardt, President/CEO, Hospice Brazos Valley

“Shattered is superb.  I believe that anyone could read it and find help with their grief after losing a child.  It is a thorough, timely, and much needed book that could also be used as an excellent grief counseling reference manual.” – Dr. Tony Taylor, Senior Pastor, Hilltop Lakes Chapel

As a mental health professional for three decades, I find great value in Gary's presentation of one of the toughest clinical issues to deal with in therapy.  I will keep several copies on hand for families or support folks walking this difficult journey.” - Carrie Andree, Licensed Professional Counselor

“When my 4-day old Allie died with Trisomy 18, I was numb, sad, and then angry.  This book helped me work through each stage of my feelings. Shattered is truly a book of healing!” – Ronna Prickett, bereaved parent