The Bridge is Love

About the Book

T his is a book for all ages, a faith story of tragedy that becomes a Bridge of Love. Children will enjoy hearing and identifying with the antics of Scotty as he roams around Heaven. This is a useful book in discussing the realities of death with a child.

-Geri Eekhoff, Hospice Nurse and Counselor

Dr. Mayhall uses a novel, imaginative approach in telling the story of the tragic loss of her young son and its impact on the family. Others who have suffered similar loss may find encouragement, support and help in coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

-Edward Henderlite, Pastor Emeritus First United Church of Christ, Salem, OR

The Bridge characters come across as real people through the author's fearless sharing of deep and raw emotions. One identifies quickly with the family's pain and trauma and clearly recognizes the giftedness of the angel-child as he narrates from his vantage point in Heaven.

-Shirley O'Conner, Widow, Owner of a Bread and Breakfast, Keen Observer of Human Nature

If you have ever had a loved one die, you know grief. The author shares her personal grief journey alongside a parable of her son's experience after death in Heaven. This book offers the bereaved a chance to reflect, share in Cheron Mayhall's grief, and affirm the promise of God's gift of eternal love.

-Rev. Myrna Phillips, Pastoral Counselor

This book, with its truthful description of grieving through unspeakable loss, will inspire many people who have lost loved ones. Some people never get past their grieving, but this book shows the healing power of faith in God and the love of family and friends. People in Hospice work could be helped by reading about this delightful view of Heaven.

-Elizabeth Holt, Nurse, Newborn Intensive Care Unit

This loving tribute shares the intense sorrow and struggle toward peace and joy known only by those who have lost loved ones.

-Beth Mackey, Educational Administrator, College Professor

A tender, touching life story told through the lens of Heaven.

-Bob Slater, D.Min in Spiritual Formation

The author puts heart and soul into this memoir told with the skill and imagination of a novelist. You will be moved to tears, but also uplifted by hope and joy.

-Mary Brunner, Physical Therapist and Elementary School Teacher

About the Author

After the sudden death of her young son, Dr. Mayhall made the long journey through grief to joy. Since 1977, both her personal and professional life have been influenced by the need and desire to survive and thrive beyond intense sorrow. In the process, she has successfully helped others do the same.

Following her 1960's Peace Corp experience, working with toddlers and their impoverished families in Honduras, Cheron became a counselor and medical social worker in Texas and New Mexico. At the time of her child's death she was studying for her Ph.D. in Counseling and Adult Education at Oregon State University. Her doctoral research and dissertation explores the characteristics that contribute to parental healing after the death of a child.

She was founder and President of the Salem, Oregon chapter of The Compassionate Friends, an international organization supporting bereaved parents and families. In 1983-84 she founded the Coalition in Oregon for Parent Education (COPE) where she served for thirteen years as Executive Director. This statewide organization provides education to support families raising children with disabilities. These families grieve and despair; it was COPE's mission to give them hope with the skills to survive.

Cheron served on the board of the National Parent Network on Disability. She was President of the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) from 1999-2002. In 2005 she received ASDC's most prestigious honor, the Lee Katz Award.

Cheron and her husband live in Port Townsend, WA. They have three adult children and one grandson. Besides writing, reading and volunteer work, her interests include travel and bicycling. In retirement, she has been president of her local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Among other volunteer endeavors, she continues working in support of church missions at home and abroad.

She is currently writing a second memoir chronicling her 2004 experience with breast cancer, highlighting the therapies and support systems that facilitated her return to wellness.

To contact the author, please write to: cheronjoy@cablespeed.com.