Description of book
‘If only I hadn't gone to work that day. If only I had gone to the soccer gala day instead. If only Caroline and India had walked a foot to the left or to the right. If only they had passed those goalposts a second or two sooner, a second or two later. If only India had been walking on Caroline's right, not left.
If only.’
One June day in 2003 William Verity's beloved three-year-old daughter, India, was killed when she was hit by a falling portable goalpost. She was singing and dancing to her favourite Wiggles song, Rock-a-Bye Your Bear, minutes before the accident.
Far more than a simple diary of events, this moving account of a family in crisis explores many of the bedrock issues of life that challenge and confront us all. From the remarkable opening words about the random nature of death to the final embrace of an enduring love, this is a gently uplifting and inspiring narrative, in which William wrestles with the idea that life may end in death, but love endures for ever.
Reviews
‘An astounding presence of love shines throughout this story. We tremble at the enormity of grief that comes with the death of a child. We recognise - uneasily - that our own hold on life is tenuous and fragile. Yet we are left realising that India lives on through the miracle of her life, however brief, and that love liberates grief. Wiilliam Verity has written a courageous and inspiring book.’ Anne Deveson, journalist, broadcaster and author of TELL ME I’M HERE
'When your child dies it is like being thrown off a cliff; it doesn't feel like you can possibly survive. In this book William Verity takes us on his journey of survival as he copes with the unthinkable. This is an inspiring and tender account of how he and his family regain control over their lives to see beyond death to love.' Paul Field, manager of The Wiggles