The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive
The only way to make my son Jon’s life a tragedy is to do nothing about it.”
~ Sally Raymond, Mother, Psychotherapist, Author, EQ Coach and Speaker
Jon’s suicide put this new psychotherapist on a mission–to find out what she had obviously missed that took her good, incredible son to suicide. By first digging for the truth of Jon’s life, she eventually generated over ninety stories that he might have ended by saying, “and then I killed myself.” Then, by sequencing these compelling stories into developmental stages as defined by the late Dr. Erik Erikson’s analysis, Sally could better understand her son’s internal experience as to how one after another, like dominos, they toppled him into suicide. As Erikson’s universal model clarified Jon’s internal spiral down to suicide, this model with its derivative insights are equally applicable to everyone alive now to be able to more knowledgeably shepherd our children, one another and ourselves forward on our path to continue growth, maturation, resilience, fulfillment and even triumph.
This book can give parents and readers everywhere new, more conscious tools for helping kids navigate the sometime rough currents of life. In this way, Jon’s life is not over. He remains a teacher, not a tragedy. Similarly, Erikson’s life and insights also live on, making what was formerly invisible and unconscious conscious in ways that can benefit every child born—forever. Understanding this model applied individually in retrospect highlight what we may have missed at particular stages of development to help one and all identify, have compassion for and be empowered to heal early losses and be released to freer, more energized whole life, joy, possibilities and fulfillment
There are no words to describe how this book has touched my heart… It is a practical survival guide that should be read by every parent, teacher, counselor, and anyone who wants to understand themselves or children… I wish this book was available to me earlier in my life.”
~ Marilyn B.
Sally’s personal stories about her son are woven together with real world advice and psychological research. I think anyone can relate to this book both emotionally and practically. It’s also good advice for anyone trying to raise a kid.”
~ Shannon M.
The story was gripping, astonishing and profoundly moving. And the insights were priceless: how to work with and heal children who have experienced major traumas like domestic violence, divorce, sexual abuse and bullying. Concrete ways to support kids through each stage of development. How to show children they matter and help them develop emotional resilience. And powerful, compassionate, effective ways to work with a child, friend or loved one (or yourself) who is suicidal. With the skyrocketing suicide rates, I wish this powerful, accessible book was in every home and library in the country!”
~ Keely M.
It’s an honor to endorse your book, just as it is to know your beautiful heart. You are an incredible mother, that legacy of love will live forever, and even more so, as you celebrate that LOVE in your book. You have an urgent message for so many families. Your son must be smiling down on you every minute. I do wish my parents read this book before they raised me. So much unnecessary heartache. You are a blessing in this world.”
~ Jordan R., Producer
Sally’s book is available on Amazon The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive and is also available at Barnes & Noble). You can also get a personally signed copy by ordering directly from the author below.