company when you need it most

Even more -- frankly, much more -- than I worry about global warming, I worry about the seemingly infinite variety of accidents, illnesses, spider bites, car crashes, or any other type of catastrophes that might strike either of my boys while I'm still living. I can barely imagine the kind of courage it would take to survive such a loss, and yet every year in the United States, some 2 million parents are faced with that challenge. Several years ago in Palo Alto, I lived next to a wonderful woman, Suzy Redfern, whose life exemplifies grace under these impossible circumstances. After losing her daughter, she joined with other grieving mothers in support groups, out of which has come a new book, "The Grieving Garden," co-authored with Sue Gilbert. Isabelle Allende, who lost a daughter, calls it, "a fearless, compelling, and ultimately healing glimpse into the heart of love and loss." I know, from knowing Suzy, that the book will offer generous helpings of solace and compassion.