Author aims to help children cope with grief
Tatnuck Bookseller to host book signing May 10
By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer

Ruth Baer, author of "Samantha Rose: A Book to Help Children Express Grief" PHOTO/MARY PRITCHARD

Westborough - Ruth Baer spent many hours over the past year at her desk with a photo of her granddaughter Samantha Rose in front of her for inspiration. After the sudden death of Samantha in September 2006, Baer wrote a children's book about grief.

"When Samantha suddenly passed away of an unexplained virus at 16 months old, I was so devastated I didn't know what to do," Baer said. "As a Special Education teacher, I taught children to write for many years and I decided to write to help with my grief and to keep Samantha's memory alive."

Baer, of Andover, wrote "Samantha Rose: A Book to Help Children Express Grief" for her grandson, Samantha's brother, and for other children who experience loss. Samantha, who lived in Westborough, would have turned 3 years old April 25 and her brother was just 3 when she died.

"Samantha Rose was her brother's little playmate, and he was her hero … She just idolized her big brother and he could always make her giggle," Baer said.

Drawing from her own feelings, her experience with children, and her teaching experience for 30 years, Baer spent many hours choosing just the right words to address some of the questions, confusion and feelings of loss that a child would face after losing a loved one.

Although Baer has not yet shared the book with her grandson, she feels that when he is ready, he will have a children's picture book filled with memories and photos of his sister and him, and a story written from "his voice, his eyes, his comments and questions" after the loss of his baby sister.

The fact that Baer has written a children's book in honor of Samantha has even more significance because, Baer said, Samantha loved books.

"Samantha had an extensive vocabulary for her age and would run to have books read to her," she said. "She even knew if you skipped a page. She had an unbelievable love for books."

Baer hopes the book will help others in their journey through their grief.

"The pain does not go away; it is always there," Baer said. "Samantha loved life. She loved to dance and clap her hands to the music. She taught us all to enjoy life and she made us happy with her smile and her glow. Everyone was drawn to her with her golden curls, bringing sunshine to all who met her."

Baer plans to donate all profits from her book to Children's Hospital in Boston in honor of Samantha Rose.

"This book not only pays homage to a precious little girl, but it shows how a sibling remembers his sister, expresses his love and grief, and has comfort in knowing that she will always be with us in our hearts," Baer said. "This book is for anyone who has had any kind of loss, no matter what age, or who is close to someone who had a loss."

Baer will hold a book signing at Tatnuck Bookseller, Gift Gallery and Café Saturday May 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.