Saying Goodbye to Olivia

A Story of Loss and Hope

By: Marie Kriedman

I suffered a miscarriage unexpectedly at 14 weeks. My husband and I were at a complete loss. Setting aside my personal pain, the single hardest thing I had to do was tell our children about the miscarriage. I fumbled my words and halted and tried again, and finally managed to break the news.

I channeled that conversation, and many others that followed, into a children’s book; Saying Goodbye to Olivia. This book is meant to be read as a family, and helps parents explain a miscarriage to children. While sad and sweet, this story reassures young readers, encourages open communication, and also inspires kids to find their own way to honor family members who have passed.

A miscarriage is a complex, emotional bombshell and this book recognizes that the entire family is affected, which can be scary for children. Several topics are explored, including what a miscarriage is, why mommy and daddy are sad, and how the family will move forward together.

If your family finds itself needing this book, perhaps you are going through something similar. I am so sorry for your loss, and I wish you peace as you heal.

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About Marie Kriedman

Marie started her journalism career as a copy editor and paginator for a newspaper. She eventually left the newspaper business and has continued as freelance writer for more than 20 years. After a second trimester miscarriage, Marie and her husband struggled to tell their young children about why the baby would not be joining their family. She channeled that conversation, and many others that followed, into a children’s book. To read more about Marie or about her book Saying Goodbye to Olivia visit https://www.booksbymarie.com/