“We’ve found him. He’s not alive. And it’s clear he has done it to himself.”These were the fifteen unforgettable words I heard from the police who delivered the shocking news that my husband, Steve, had taken his own life. No warning. No signs. No note left behind. No explanation given.Loss by suicide is like grief with a microphone. Everything is amplified. Louder, sharper, deafening at times.Over the years, Caroline has discovered that time cannot heal a catastrophic loss like this. It just dampens the noise a little. All the sorrowful sounds of bereavement continue to be heard through every moment and milestone of life. Yet, the sweet singing of the blackbird can be heard when the storm passes too.In this book, Caroline reflects on her most personal thoughts, experiences and learnings, and those of her young children, to give a voice to those left behind.Whether you’re suffering from loss directly, or are supporting a friend, relative or colleague whose loved one has died by suicide, or are struggling with your own mental health, Daddy Blackbird is an honest and relatable account that offers hope beyond the horror."Gripping, raw, powerful.""Deep and authentic.""Leaves the reader speechless in awe.""Caroline sticks two fingers up to stigma and shame."“This is a remarkable book that testifies to inspirational strength in the face of unthinkable suffering. Let Caroline take your hand and walk you through her journey of loss and recovery. It will definitely move you. It will probably change you. It might even save you.” Dave Crofts, Writer, poet, friend, cheerleader, communications consultant“Daddy Blackbird is incredibly sad, yet very important and powerful – the disbelief, the impact, the questions – these are all relatable and common for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. This is a detailed, raw and moving story that will touch many people.” Carolyn Moody MBE, Multi award winner, Fosterwiki ambassador, shared lives Carer, mental health and trauma informed care advocate, champion of child and carers voices“This is a book that speaks volumes about the experiences of being bereaved by a traumatic loss, and yet leaves the reader speechless in awe. An amazing real life story of resilience, humbleness and raw emotion.” Amandip Sidhu, Multi award winner, compassionate leader and founder of the charity, Doctors in Distress“Deep and authentic insight into an unimaginable journey of utter devastation towards resilience and hope. This book has such broad appeal and provides tremendous value to multiple different audiences. Particularly captivating was how Caroline supported her girls with the loss of their father. A profound example of the importance of teaching children how to understand and navigate emotions.” Rachel Vecht, Founder of Educating Matters, parent educator and former school teacher“So much of this story could literally be me! For anyone unfortunate enough to be in our position, this book offers comfort and hope. For those curious, but without lived experience it provides painful insight and probably a new found appreciation for how shit it is at times!” Hannah Pearsall, Head of wellbeing, mental health first aid instructor and wellbeing coach“A powerful, important and deeply moving book. In sharing her journey from horror to hope so candidly, Caroline sticks two fingers up to stigma and shame; there is simply no space for those demons any longer when it comes to suicide. I believe that this book will start courageous, compassionate, potentially life-saving conversations. Thank you, Caroline, for channelling your pain into these words - words that will help so many.” Rose Rowkins, Suicide prevention trainer, awareness advocate Read more
