Life without Lisa is a “must read” for anyone who has lost someone dear to them.
This award-winning book is based on the journal that Richard Ballo wrote following the death of his wife, Lisa. The two had been married only eight years when Lisa, 38, lost her battle with cancer. Richard was left as a single parent with sons Nick, five and Victor, six. He had to adapt to his new role as a young widower, writer, father, and a suddenly single man in today’s culture. He turned to writing to help his grief. Little did he realize that the journal he wrote of his thoughts, feelings and experiences, would one day be published and win an award.
This book serves as a beacon of hope for others charting their way through grief’s black waters.
Life Without Lisa is a Gold Medal Winner of the President’s Book Awards from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association, Inc.
DG, India –
“I am writing to you after reading “Life without Lisa”. Your book was given to me by a Hospice grief counselor. Eight weeks ago, my beloved husband passed away from cancer. He was 45.Thank you so much, Mr. Ballo for sharing the story of your experience. By pouring out your thoughts and feelings onto those pages you have helped me to know that what I am going through is normal. You have helped to give me hope that I too will survive this nightmare called grief.” DG, Indiana
LA –
“I am not sure why I am sending this e-mail other than I felt I should. I wanted to first thank you for your book “Life without Lisa”. The man I love lost his wife to ovarian cancer 20 months ago. Your book helped me to see things from his point of view. Your book gave me a clearer understanding of the emotions that he is facing and his thoughts behind them. Thank you for sharing your soul with me.” LA
TS –
“I lost my wife a little over 18 months ago. She left me with a week old and a five-year-old. They are why I am still here. I’m grateful that I came upon your book, there are not too many books discussing the grief of a widower with children. We grieve, it just takes longer. Thanks again, I’m comfortable that I’m not alone.” TS
Al –
“I finished reading your book last night. It was beautifully written and really got my emotions going. Especially at the end when you described your last hours with Lisa. The pictures in the back were a total surprise and really hit home the loss and recovery that you and your family experienced. I hope your writers block has been completely cured and I’m looking forward to reading future work.” Al
CT, Dallas Texas –
“I read your book this week, I saw it mentioned on the Young Widow Bulletin Board (the YWBB). I’ll be recommending it to other young widows and widowers. I found your book to be a moving and heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful description of this journey of grief and healing that we find ourselves thrust upon when our spouses die too young. We do have some young widowers with young children and I think your book will be especially meaningful to them although I think it is meaningful to all YWs, men and women alike. Thanks for sharing your story.” CT, Dallas, Texas
Jodell L. Wheeler, ACSW, LCSW, MBA, Psychotherapist –
“Reading Life without Lisa took me back 25 years ago to the time of my husband’s death. He was 31 years of age and I was 29 years old. It was very difficult to read as it so accurately portrayed my feelings then. I only wish the book had been available in 1982, as it would have given me immeasurable insight and comfort during that heartbreaking period of my life.” Jodell L. Wheeler, ACSW, LCSW, MBA, Psychotherapist