The youngest child of a Norwegian immigrant family to the United States, Gunnar grew up with feelings of alienation and loneliness. He later developed a persistent, profound depression which was only alleviated upon the birth of his first child. This little baby boy became the joy and purpose of Gunnar's life.
Parents live in perpetual, subconscious fear of losing a child. For this author, this ultimate nightmare has come true not once, but twice; a tragic car accident took the life of his two year-old son, and - many years later - his 15 year-old daughter drowned while on a camping trip.
In his moving, new memoir, Don't Cry, Pappa, Gunnar Skollingsberg chronicles his journey from devastating, suicidal depression to tentative, fragile healing. Fortunately, he was able recover the drive to live beyond his children's deaths. He eventually refocused his life's purpose to bring moments of happiness and laughter to other children.
This is an emotional and often insightful book that is both heartrending and ultimately bittersweet. The fact that the author is able to be so open about his thoughts and feelings (even those that might be hard to admit) is what makes this memoir worth consideration.
Besides the general reader's interest in a well-written emotional and inspirational memoir, there others who would especially benefit from this book. Don't Cry, Pappa connects with those parents (and other relatives) who have suffered the loss of a child; it reminds them that they are not alone and that it is possible to survive their pain. This book is also useful for the friends and acquaintances of these families to allow them to obtain some insight into the suffering being experienced. Therapists and mental health providers can also use the information in this book to gain a better understanding of - and empathy with - those whom they are asked to counsel in their professional work.
About the Author: Gunnar Skollingsberg has lived through the tragic deaths of two of his children. A lifelong depression sufferer, Gunnar struggled to find the strength to carry on. Ultimately, he rallied around his love for his remaining children and a desire to bring comfort and laughter to lonely children everywhere.
Dr. Skollingsberg is a distinguished academic. He has earned several degrees: two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree, and a doctorate in educational psychology. He has spent over twenty years as a public school teacher and twenty years as a school psychologist. His passion for education and mental-health awareness led him to focus his considerable talents on making small, positive differences in kids' lives on a daily basis. This simple approach helps him deal with his ongoing pain and grief for his own lost children.
