The Silence of Morning: A Memoir of Time Undone

Description

This is a book about the mystery of existence, a memoir that transports the reader into many dimensions. Here, there is much to explore about how we find our way when circumstances feel overwhelming and impossible. We are all on the same journey; this deeply intentional memoir illuminates that very journey. Even if loss isn't part of your life right now, The Silence of Morning compassionately bridges moments and events that time carves out for each of us. Just over the next hill, who knows what we'll encounter, who knows what we'll experience. The unexpected always awaits.         "Despite a crushing loss ... here we have a warmth of spirit, understanding and compassion in a distancing world." ―Madeline Sharples, Leaving the Hall Light On      "... the gift of a spiritual seeker's brave inquiry." ―Richard Gilbert, Shepherd: A Memoir       " ... a new path. Holy and beautiful and heartbreaking." ―Susan Pohlman, Halfway to Each Other          "At once a loving legacy and an unsparing depiction of the elusive lines between 'phase versus problem; serious use versus experimentation; relapse versus recovery; life versus death,' this compelling memoir is a gift of life, hope, and healing." ―Laurie Hunter Buchanan, PhD, author of Note to Self      "Examining the world with narrative grace and balance, Hickman's autho­rial voice communicates the choppy stuff of life with elegance." ―Jen Knox, After the Gazebo        "An unforgettable meditation on life and death: the powerful role love plays in attaining spiritual freedom." ―Matthew Peters, PhD, novelist                Knowing her son's suicide at 27 is linked to the searing challenges of the human condition, the author steps beyond the personal dimension to probe our culture and society for answers. With a spiritual and sociological lens, Hickman considers many of our most urgent and troubling issues. In fact, this timeless story is a piercing look at the complexities of the human experience: the innumerable ways in which we struggle to understand something of our lives.      But how does Hickman navigate her grief while insisting on the long view, instead of succumbing to outdated expectations? Why is she passionate about the need for a deeper perspective on critical societal issues? Why does she dig deeply for greater spiritual awareness in the aftermath of unthinkable tragedy?      Realizing her son's untimely death is a mystifying, yet forceful, catalyst―an urgent call to unravel the deeper story of loss―this is a far-reaching memoir by an author who cares deeply about humanity's struggle to find peace and contentment amidst chaos, discord. Delving into truly harrowing subjects, the author writes with clarity and strength about suicide, grief, spiritual inquiry and realization, addiction, even the insidious nature of time and how it exacerbates our suffering.           "Invariably," Hickman acknowledges, despite death, "we all get our moment in the sun." Yet this deeply moving story emerges from a son's hard-fought struggle to beat the odds, and the terrifying silence of loss. Pushing the author to tackle troubling issues, she explains: "We are a world born of connection, and yet our misdirected culture tends to blame, and focus on, the addict. We created this, addicts did not. A chaotic world that serves up escape, excitement, excess as 'solutions' must evolve and mature if we ever hope to unravel the tangled roots of addiction in its endless forms, guises."      Each life reflects the intense mysteries we are born into. Mysteries lodged in silence, and ambiguity. Yet this urgent and powerful memoir penetrates that silence, as the author initially survives its fierce echo in the face of her son's sudden death, and then realizes she must, one day, embrace it.        "... here is much meaning, peace, and - yes - hope."  ―John DeDakis, novelist, editor         Cover art Paul C. Jackson.