Book Review: The Seven T's

Title: The Seven T’s

Author: Judy Collins

Date: 2007

Publisher: Tarcher (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1585424955

Some books are so lyrical that they suggest song lyrics by way of a review. Judy Collins, whose son had died long before my husband died, wrote two books on the grief experience that I read during my own grief experience. This one is recommended; the other one is not.

Many people have appreciated this book in the last twenty years, and this year the paperback edition is available as a "purchase" for thirty days with free returns.

When I read this book, a summary of its contents popped out in verse form:

Judy Collins

long bereaved

gives seven T’s

to those who’ve grieved:

Tell the Truth

yes, he was fine

but wasn’t perfect

or divine

Trust good friends

this too will pass

light a candle

say a Mass

Get Therapy

don’t have to pay

for the best, but get

some anyway

Treasure the memories:

good times gone,

unlike the dead,

live on and on

so don’t drown memories

stay alive

care for yourself

stay sober, Thrive

Treat yourself well

get food and rest

a good turn daily

and all the rest

Transcend the grief

that never dies

but it can brighten

not dim eyes