Zachary's Choice
Surviving My Child's Suicide
by Suzy LaBonte
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Pub Date Oct 15 2014 | Archive Date Mar 12 2015
Description
A Christian homeschooling mom of a large family, Suzy LaBonte never
imagined one of her children might die by suicide. She received an
agonizing blow the day her sixteen-year-old son, Zachary, without threat
or forewarning, chose to end his own life. The following months were
bleak and sorrowful as Suzy struggled down a confusing path of shock,
anger, guilt, and depression.
Slowly putting one foot in front of
the other, Suzy focused on the unfailing character of God, her
husband's faithful partnership, and the hopeful faces of the children
before her. Plodding and stumbling toward understanding and healing,
Suzy found that God's faithful companionship and the promises of His
Word lightened the darkest hours and sustained her life.
Healing
came slowly and with it, transforming lessons of pain and courage. With a
passion to reach out to encourage other suicide survivors, Suzy shares
the healing that is found in Christ Jesus.
Includes a Survival Guide for those impacted by suicide and suggested resources for further support.
Advance Praise
“Zachary’s Choice is soul-bearing and gives voice to the silent agony of all suicide survivors. I felt like I was there and heard the deep crying sound of pain that most people will never hear. This is a story of strength and hope that will touch everyone who carries our cross.”
John Shockley, lost fifteen-year-old son, Johnny, in 2009
“Suzy’s ability to articulate the darkness of grief, the stigma of suicide, and the comfort of Christ is a gift to those living the aftermath of such tragedy. This book grants the bereaved permission to experience the weight of grief without judgment, yet points them to the relentless love of the Holy Comforter. Zachary’s Choice is a sanctuary for those who know the trauma of suicide and child death and an invaluable resource for those who desire to minister to suicide survivors.”
Regina Cyzick Harlow, bereaved mom, pastor, grief companion, and founder of The Sadie Rose Foundation
“‘Things like this don’t happen to Christian, homeschooling families, do they?’ This quote from Zachary’s Choice sums up this deeply expressive memoir about a teen’s suicide that appears to have come from nowhere. Instead of a warning to parents, this book, written by a dedicated mother and foster mother, serves as a comfort to survivors. This memoir is evidence of the limited power we have over others and addresses the guilt and public shame often associated with a suicide death. Zachary’s Choice would be a great resource for people who want to help a survivor but have no experience with suicide.”
Ginny Sparrow, editor, American Association of Suicidology
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780781412940 |
| PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
Average rating from 6 members
Featured Reviews
Mimi H, Media/Journalist
Searingly honest chronicle of a mother's struggle to understand and to go on living after the completely unanticipated suicide of her 16-year-old son. The fact that sunny, talented, sensitive Zachary had never shown any pain or self-doubt before taking a rifle into the woods near their idyllic farmhouse home and shooting himself makes Suzi LaBonte question everything about her mothering, and to worry what other secret menaces may threaten her other children - four biological and two foster. Gradually, with the help of her strong Christian faith and her solid marriage, she manages to achieve healing and to let joy and trust coexist beside the grief and pain that Zachary's desperate act has made a permanent part of her soul. A resource for any grieving parent and especially for anyone struggling with guilt and anguish after a loved one's suicide.
Reviewer 98309
Zachary's Choice is such a heartbreaking book. I could not imagine what this mother went through after her son's suicide. I admire her courage to write her experiences to help others who has experienced the same heartache. Though the subject matter is hard to read and I found myself in tears in times, I did like the book. Full of faith and inspiration.
5 stars.
Rhonda N, Reviewer
I have not lost a child to death but I have had a family member commit suicide and have had several serious attempts made by loved ones. Their attempts, thankfully, were unsuccessful and led to hospitalizations which allowed them to receive help and healing. Suzy LaBonte's son did not receive help and healing as he showed no obvious warning signs to family members or friends. Suzy experienced great guilt after losing Zachary as she wanted to go back in time and help him. Suzy dealt honestly and respectfully with her feelings and struggles after losing her son in such a tragic way. She described her own progression through the five stages of grief: shock, anger, guilt, depression, and acceptance. None of the stages were quick and easy. None were without struggle. They certainly weren't without tears. Zachary's mother admits she is not a professional counselor but I felt that she spoke clearly and in ordinary language so that anyone could easily understand and apply the script to their own lives. I have three grown daughters and I found myself grieving with this precious mom over the senseless loss of her beautiful son. She urges readers to seek professional help if needed and includes many useful tips for those who are experiencing their own grief after a suicide. I rate this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to readers.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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