Sandy Hook Parent Releases First Book on the Loss of Her Daughter
Hitting Shelves Next Month, 'An Unseen Angel' Chronicles Alissa Parker's Story of Faith, Hope and Healing After Tragedy
VANCOUVER, Wash., March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alissa Parker, whose daughter Emilie died during the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, will release the first book on the matter with a faith-filled, spiritual approach. Debuting April 4, An Unseen Angel: A Mother's Story of Healing and Hope After Sandy Hook focuses on the mother's complete journey, from coping to healing to forgiveness to gratitude for the life of her child.
"Violence, grief and loss are not what this book is primarily about; at least, I prefer not to look at it that way," says Parker. "Although it contains tragedy, my story is ultimately not tragic. The story I feel compelled to share is one of help and healing. It is a story of how God's love and protection surrounded me during my darkest hour."
In the book, Parker shares the desperation she felt upon hearing the news of her daughter's untimely death, as well as how her prayers for comfort were answered when friends around the country shared experiences they had of sensing Emilie's presence. This, plus Parker's own experience with Emilie as an "unseen angel," was the message she needed in order to extend forgiveness to the gunman and, in doing so, feel real peace.
Parker describes a bond of love between a mother and daughter that is so profound it transcends the physical body and touches her and the people who feel Emilie's presence every day. An Unseen Angel also articulates Parker's deep Christian faith, which provided answers to her gut-wrenching, post-tragedy questioning.
Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing, An Unseen Angel is available for pre-order on Amazon. For more information, please visit anunseenangel.com.
About Alissa Parker
Alissa Parker grew up in Ogden, Utah, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Weber State University and there married her high school sweetheart, Robbie. They are the proud parents of three beautiful girls: Emilie (who passed away at age 6 during the Sandy Hook shooting), Madeline, 9, and Samantha, 7. After Emilie's death, Parker began TheParkerFive blog as a tool to express the emotions she and her family experienced throughout the grieving process. She is also the cofounder of Safe and Sounds Schools, which helps people take action to make schools safer, and the Emilie Parker Art Connection, a charity helping local community arts programs for children. Parker currently resides in a small town outside of Vancouver, Washington, with her family and their four chickens. She is an avid photographer, crafter and reader, and amateur gardener.
The Parker family's story has been featured on "CBS This Morning" and KOIN6, and in the Daily Mail and Salt Lake Tribune, among others.
CONTACT:
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SOURCE Alissa Parker
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