After experiencing the loss of her first-born son, Melissa Dalton-Bradford thrust herself into literature searching for those who have experienced similar, devastating loss. What she found was comfort and guidance to help her overcome the pain of losing a loved one and the faith to face her own life without him. In On Loss and Living Onward, she has compiled the best resources that will guide the living through the process of grief.

Superbly written essays by author and bereaved mother accompany each of five sections: Life at Death; Love at Death; Living After Death; Learning From Death; Life, Love, and Light Over Death. Quotes are from across history, geography and the philosophical spectrum. A substantial bibliography and suggested readings list is included.

"Each grief is unique, as each lost life is, but Melissa Dalton-Bradford is able to speak about her own experience beautifully and precisely while at the same time pointing to the universality of the experience. Some parents lose children. Some children lose parents. Some children lose siblings. Some lose jobs, homes, futures, dreams. We are all suffering grief, and this wonderful book holds you in its arms and comforts for a little while, gently pointing to a bright future that will come if only we will let it in. If you don't know what to say to a loved one who is grieving, buy a copy of this book for you and one for them. Then read and savor and grieve together."
—Mette Harrison, author of Ironmom