Welcome

If you choose to purchase this book you will not only read a real-life story of holding on to faith in the death of a child. You will also be given insight and skills on how you can help others when they have lost. Loss can be an isolating experience why don't you become the person that changed that experience for one other person. 

On the 26th of May 2023 the date that was the eleven-year anniversary of the death of Benjamin McNicol. The author - Ben's Mum - Emma-Jane McNicol - launched this book Will I have to Brush my teeth in Heaven? The launch was held at beautiful Hanworth House in East Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 

At the Launch Emma-Jane shared a message for her readers: 

'For you my readers this story is unique. In fact, it does not pay to think too much about just how unique it is or what are the chances of one family having these events collide in the space of only two years. But then everyone's story is unique, and we should treat individuals like that knowing that it is not always what we see on the outside that makes up the sum of who they are. We all have unique stories to share and the only difference with mine is that I chose to make it public. I gift this book Will I have to brush my teeth in Heaven?  to each reader here tonight and well into the future.' 

The honesty of this book gives it enormous power – a power to move the reader to appreciate grief but also to reflect on how to live with its reality as well as help others. Amidst all the pain, Emma-Jane’s voice shines clearly and honestly throughout as she takes the reader through her family’s story. 

Will I have to brush my teeth in Heaven? is a book which does not dwell on simple pieties, but the deep wrestling that Emma-Jane expresses so openly to her readers  will spur a deeper reflection on loss, hope and faith these are issues that hold significance for all of us. GORDON CORERA, Journalist and Author

It is hard to read this book without a steady flow of tears. Yet the raw and uncensored thoughts of the author are precisely what give us permission to ask deep questions which affect us all – of identity, purpose, forgiveness, injustice and hope beyond death. Emma-Jane bypasses cliches and sound bites and instead offers powerful reflections on these borne out of her own unwanted journey.

It is said that the house of suffering always yields more wisdom than the house of pleasure. This book brilliantly challenges and educates us not only on how to navigate unexpected and unwanted situations in our own lives but also how to best help others who themselves are suffering.   JAMES DE COSTOBADIE, Vicar Latimer Church, Christchurch New Zealand. 

Losing a child is one of the most tragic events that a family could possibly experience, but to lose two children…. unimaginable. This book takes you on a journey of grief, heartache and uncertainty but most importantly a journey of love, faith, and hope. Love comes before grief…and love will be here after; we grieve because we love. 

Emma-Jane’s raw and beautiful honesty about navigating the difficult journey of losing not one, but two of her children provides a unique insight into a subject that is not talked about openly in our society. Her words and resilience will provide hope and understanding to many bereaved parents who will sadly also walk this path. You will need tissues at hand, as Emma-Jane shows you that you can survive this unspeakable loss.

It is a privilege to be invited to share a glimpse into the lives of Samuel and Ben, two much loved boys who will never be forgotten and who continue to shape the lives of their beautiful family. KERRY GORDON, CEO Precious Wings 

Children aren't meant to die before their parents. The pain of losing one child is difficult enough for most of us to imagine; the pain of losing two is nothing short of unfathomable. 

In this searingly honest but always hopeful story, Emma-Jane McNicol shows us all a path for not just surviving but thriving in the face of some of the most difficult moments in our lives.

Ultimately, this book is a testament to Emma-Jane's faith and love for her family. As readers we feel lucky to have been introduced to Samuel and Ben - two boys that in their short lives taught us all so much. LAUREN QUAINTANCE, Journalist. 

This is a beautiful book. It is often painful and upsetting to read; Emma-Jane tells her story of unbearable loss with searing honesty and profound insight. And yet through it all she demonstrates how faith in Christ can hold us, even when we feel we are losing the ability or strength to hold on to Him. 

None of us welcomes pain, grief or loss into our lives. But when it comes (as it invariably does), it changes us, and resets our compass to nurture and cherish what really matters in this life. My compass has been reset by this family's story of sorrow, joy, resilience and ultimate hope, and I believe it will do the same for you. STUART TOWNEND, Songwriter 

In addition to Ark House Press options located there. Check out: 

• In the UK:  www.eden.co.uk
• In the US: www.barnesandnoble.com
• In Australia: www.booktopia.com.au