Ruth lost her mum in 2020. For the last 6 years of her life she'd been living in Ruth's home, and they'd become very close.
Writing these poems was a vital part of Ruth's grief journey, helping her to process the enormity of her loss and to work through her deep pain, finally coming to a place of acceptance, comfort, and healing.
This book invites the reader to walk that road with Ruth, in the hope that it will be a help to them on their own path to healing.
The book is divided into 4 main sections that correspond to the concepts of William J Worden's '4 Tasks of Grief', which Ruth found very beneficial on her healing journey. Each poem has been assigned to the 'Grief Task' that it fits best with.
The title is taken from the phrase “Not lost, but gone before” – a reference to people going to heaven ahead of us.
One of the aspects that I liked about Gone Before by Ruth Fanshaw is the author’s willingness to show us, through her poetry, the fragile side and the moments of pain and loss in her life. Her purpose is healing and helping others who have experienced similar situations. Most people choose not to share their feelings and may not understand the stages they are in.
I also liked the soft and simple language that carried strong emotions and meaning with every word, as in the poem 18th of June, which made me so sad but at the same time more appreciative of the precious people in my life.
The author also deals with themes such as love and healing, such as in the poem Daylight, where the touch of death fades away with time, making room for the light.
– Ana-Maria Leasa
Reader's Favorite reviewer – 5 stars awarded
…[W]hen her mother passed on [Ruth] went through pain that had to be overcome before she could reach acceptance. This collection of poems is a depiction of that inner healing process… and shares the meaningful experiences of the author… aimed at helping others conquer their moments of grief…
Gone Before is an excellent book that will inspire readers to reflect on life… This selection of poems shows that a sense of grief may remain, but love and fond memories will always prevail.
– Diana Lopez
Reader's Favorite reviewer – 5 stars awarded
Ruth Fanshaw documents her grieving and healing process after losing her mom with her brave collection of poems…
Gone Before is an uplifting companion for anyone experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one. I loved that the poems can be read relative to the stage or aspect of grief that one is experiencing…
I loved the work’s imagery and found the poems moving. I appreciated the messages of hope and healing and that the grieving journey is not rushed… It is a wonderful gift for anyone experiencing grief.
– Edith Wairimu
Readers’ Favorite reviewer – 5 stars awarded
Gone Before: A Grief Journey in Poems by Ruth Fanshaw is a collection of the author's poetry written to process the depth of heartache that comes when we lose someone close to us… All told, Fanshaw has collated nearly four dozen poems that range in tone, tenor, length, and style…
Gone Before is a beautifully composed validation of the heart, an especially important show of solidarity, and one I would give a whole bucket of stars if I could. I very highly recommend this collection.
– Jamie Michele
Readers’ Favorite reviewer – 5 stars awarded
This mesmerizing collection of poems delves into the transformative process of navigating the loss of a loved one…
Gone Before is a heart-wrenching poetry collection that covers all the facets of grief and the subsequent journey to acceptance and healing… each poem brings a distinct flavor to the narrative and offers unique insight into the human psyche relating to grief… Near the end, Gone Before contains a heartfelt eulogy to her mother that anyone who has ever lost a loved one will relate to.
It is an inspiring poetry collection that I will highly recommend.
– Pikasho Deka
Reader's Favorite reviewer – 5 stars awarded
