Courage - 2nd Edition by Karen Lang (Paperback)

About the Book

In Courage, Karen Lang shares her journey through grief, one step at a time. Her tragic but uplifting story connects readers to her feelings of loss, and helps them to understand that they are not alone.

Book Synopsis

Karen and Michael had a good life, with two beautiful children. They tried to create a world that was safe and happy. But in June 2001, nine-year-old Nathan-their only son-was hit by a car.

Rushed to hospital with catastrophic injuries, Nathan was in a dire situation; one that quickly evolved into his parents' worst fear. When the doctors asked Karen and Michael to turn off their son's life support and consider donating his organs, their lives changed forever.

How could they leave the hospital without Nathan? It did not seem possible. It did not seem fair. But the journey began.

"If only I had known what was to come, I would have clung to each and every moment I had with him."

Karen shares her journey through grief, one step at a time. Her tragic but uplifting story connects readers to her feelings of loss, and it helps them to understand that they are not alone.

Courage gives insight into the wisdom Karen Lang has learned and the practices she embraces to open each door and to see a way through.

Review Quotes

Karen Lang's book Courage beautifully illustrates the truth in the saying, "There is life after death". Karen's honest, uncomplicated, and insightful words have captured the living proof of this statement.

While the death of a child is one of the most harrowing and life altering experiences any mother can experience, Karen has found a way to appeal to readers embarking on this journey themselves, and to draw them alongside each footstep of her personal journey towards hope. Through her journey, Karen makes it seem just a little more possible that we can take the next breath; that we can wake up the next morning; that we can live through this agonizing and cruel life process; and maybe, in our own time and own way, we can even flourish.

Grief is as unique to individuals as their fingerprints. Courage is Karen's story; it is her truth and a thoughtful collection of her life lessons.

Courage is a book that breathes life back into a suffocating experience and I would recommend it, and will use it in my own work with families experiencing the death of a child.

Gabrielle Quilliam Co-founder Hummingbird House (Queensland's only children's hospice)

Following the death of her son Nathan in a tragic accident, Karen Lang's life was instantly one of loss, turmoil, and deep grief. But through courage, determination, and spirituality over the following dark years, Karen managed to find a renewed purpose and meaning in her life, but always with Nathan in her heart and memory. Courage is an inspirational story of a mother's journey from utter despair and hopelessness to strength and rebirth.

Tilly Brasch - Author No Middle Name - Glass House Books

Thank you for the trust that you have placed in me in allowing me to read your story-Nathan's story. I was deeply moved by your writing. What has impressed me the most is the way that you have structured the book and the sense of resilience and hope that emerges, despite the harrowing loss and trauma.The way in which you incorporated meditations and mindfulness practices seamlessly into the book makes them more accessible to those reading your book in the wake of their own loss. Your voice is strong and assured in your writing, and you have found a balance between your personal story and universal themes.

Susan Wilson MBBS UQ (Hons)

FRANZCP, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist