This Sure Thing

Endorsements

“This Sure Thing is a must-read for any young griever. It captures the longing and wondering you feel when you miss someone, and it gives gentle ideas of how to honor them in daily life. This Sure Thing comforts, heals, and shows that while we may not have all the answers, we can be sure of this sure thing: the strength of love.”
—Anna Whiston-Donaldson, author of Rare Bird, a Memoir of Loss and Love, and A Hug from
Heaven.

This insightful book takes young readers gently by the hand and guides them along the path from heartbreak towards hope. Within these pages, children struggling with painful feelings and fears can find comfort and understanding, as well as ways to express their feelings of loss. From the rhythmic pacing and comforting tone to the touching illustrations, This Sure Thing feels like a cocoon that snuggles young readers in a sense of safety, assures them their feelings are normal, and enlightens them about ways they might celebrate and cherish the memory of a sibling in positive, healing ways.
—Patty Kruszewski, Managing Editor, The Henrico Citizen

What could parents, grandparents, or friends dealing with their own grief do to assist younger children through the loss of their sibling? Out of her own experience, Sarah Mayfield has artfully combined a mother’s heart with a professional’s knowledge in a touching and practical guide which will open doors of communication and companionship for bereaved youth. This is a much-needed book that young and old will find helpful.
—Hank Graeser, author of Still on the Way: A Father’s Journey to Hope

Sarah Mayfield’s beautiful and engaging book for children is so very needed. We rarely see the stories of siblings who are missing their brothers or sisters who have died. Others rarely get a glimpse of how surviving children may feel as they navigate life without their siblings, how they may remember and include them in their day-to-day lives, or how a child may think about their relationship with their siblings whose absence is always present. This book shows us what this may look like, providing validation and support for kids living with this kind of loss. A family that is missing a child is different from other intact families, and all family members are impacted by the loss of that child. This book is one of very few that addresses that pain from the perspective of a sibling. Thank you so much for this gem of a book that will help so many.
—Karla Helbert, LPC, author of Yoga for Grief and Loss, The Chakras in Grief and Trauma and Finding Your Own Way to Grieve: A Creative Activity Handbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum

In the world of bereavement, finding various ways to stay connected to our loved ones is essential. Continuing these relationships after death helps us honor and remember our loved one, but it also helps us as we learn to carry our grief. This task is often difficult for children to understand, and Sarah has created a beautiful book to help introduce our children to this valuable skill. This Sure Thing will help families identify ways to continue these bonds. . .such as writing letters, carrying out tasks in their honor, finding joy in things that made our loved ones happy, and sharing memories. Personally and professionally, Sarah understands grief, and her words will be a gift to any family who needs a little guidance as they navigate the challenges of loss.
—Allyson England Drake, Founder and Executive Director, Full Circle Grief Center

This Sure Thing beautifully captures a grieving child’s enduring love and connection with their deceased loved one. Through heartfelt storytelling and insightful reflections, this children’s book offers invaluable guidance to young hearts navigating grief. An approachable and relatable read for families seeking ongoing connection, meaning-making, and understanding after experiencing the death of a loved one.
—Rebecca Hoppe, PhD, Faculty Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University

This Sure Thing is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that acknowledges the pain of losing a loved one while celebrating the enduring love and memories that remain. This book explores the connection we hold with loved ones, even after they have passed away, and provides space for children to explore their own ways of continuing bonds with their loved one after death. Sarah Mayfield masterfully weaves together the themes of love, loss, and healing, creating a great resource for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to support children through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
—Jessica Fisher, Elementary School Counselor

One of the most important things we can do for grieving children is to help them remain connected to the people they love and grieve. In This Sure Thing, Sarah Mayfield has created a beautiful tribute to grieving children, sharing parts of her own heart and modeling ways that children can remain connected in their grief through actions and in spirit. Along with a moving story of brothers’ connections before and after death, Mayfield shares ideas for children to foster continued connections and provides resources for families. This much-needed book is a must-read for children grieving a sibling and the parents and professionals supporting them.
—Jennifer Jurlando, Death Educator, Support Group Leader

This Sure Thing is a beautifully written and tenderly told story about a young boy processing the passing of his beloved younger brother. Warm, heartfelt and real, it’s sure to be a valuable resource for parents and children dealing with the loss of a friend or family member.
—Jeff Dunn, author of A Buffalo Out of Water