On this show Dr. Heidi and Dr. Gloria Horsley interview Susan Esposito Lombardo whose father Billy Esposito, vice president and partner at Cantor Fitzgerald was killed on the 104th floor of the north tower on 9/11. In his memory the family founded A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation and Bereavement Program helping grieving children and their families. Robin Goodman Ph.D. director of the foundation discusses their work. The show closes with singer and songwriter Paul Alexander singing “Pennies From Heaven”.
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I was so amazed to learn of your organization and the help you provide to so many people. I have published a picture for grieving children based on 9/11 with the idea of providing it to any child who has lost a loved one due to incomprehensible violence. It came out of my work as a children’s grief counselor supervised by Helen Fitzgerald (“The Grieving Child”). I wonder if you would like to review it? Anyone wanting a review copy must contact the printer, at one of the numbers listed in the press release. Let me know if you have questions. I can also be reached at 253.531.2640. Thank-you. I look forward to hearing from you.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Children’s Grief Counselor Empowers Youth with Healing Insights
Beautifully crafted work portrays the journey of two young girls afflicted by loss
TACOMA, WASHINGTON–Very few children’s books discuss tragedy and death, thus leaving youngsters a sense of confusion when it comes to understanding the process of grief. “A Bright and Shining Morning” allows children, parents and the professionals who work with them to break this barrier by introducing young children to an important message that is critical in a time of turmoil, fear and loss. Written by author Lenny Granger, this riveting work is a perfect tool that can help ease the hurt and pain experienced by a grieving child, and allows the adults who love and care for them an opportunity for discussing feelings.
“A Bright and Shining Morning” allows the reader to slip into the mind of a preschooler who loses her uncle, a first responder, in the Twin Towers attacks on 9/11. She and her best friend, whose father was also lost on that horific day, both learn that they are not alone in their grief, for there will always be grown-ups to help them.
Insightful, this work is not only meant to be read to a preschooler, but is also one that parents and concerned adults can read to better understand a child. Trying to relate to youngsters’ limited life experience, this work equips them with the power to move forward from devasting loss.
With the rise of such violent crimes as the Boston Marathon bombing, Sandy Hook, Sikh Temple and Aurora, Colorado, mass shootings as well as others since (the execution of Christian students at a college in Kenya comes to mind), “A Bright and Shining Morning” is indeed a significant work for all children who are trying to understand the realities of the world around them. A literary beacon of light, this selection is especially useful when wounds are being healed and the pain is slowly replaced by hope. It is also pertinent as we approach Memorial Day and summer vacation, as well as family anniversaries, because these events can be particularly difficult. In addition, it can be useful to children who have loved ones serving overseas to help them understand what has led to those conflicts. Even teens can benefit from it as a tool for discussion in families and support groups.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com. You can also view the book trailer on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljDLZmyN3XE.
About the Author
Lenny Granger is a former children’s grief counselor in Northern Virginia with Helen Fitzgerald, author of The Grieving Child, and as writer-in-residence at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. She has written, directed and performed in plays for families about literary and historical characters. A former college English teacher, she has also written widely on the arts and education. She holds a master’s in creative writing and makes her home in Helena, Montana.
“A Bright and Shining Morning” by Lenny Granger
Publication Date: 2013
Picture Book, 28 pages: 978-1-4797-6818-9
Ebook: 978-1-4797-6819-6
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljDLZmyN3XE
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x7879. You may also view a book trailer on Youtube, searching for title and author.