26 Years to Eternity

“Thames Valley Police is appealing for information following a fatal collision in Finchampstead this morning. … The driver of the Nissan, a 33-year-old man from Hampshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.” – ITV NEWS

When a young Christian teacher, active and well-loved in his community, was killed during a traffic accident, his mother Lizzie found herself struggling to make sense of all that had happened, particularly from a faith perspective.

In a series of discussions with a fictional counsellor, Lizzie tells her true story, sharing memories of her son that will make you laugh and cry, but also tackling head-on issues of suffering, loss, forgiveness and hope. As we sit in on these counselling sessions, we join Lizzie on her journey of asking questions and deepening our understanding of God, of life and of eternity.

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"This is a wonderful and inspiring read, illustrating the personal journey of a grieving mother over the loss of her deeply loved son, Robbie, who was tragically and suddenly killed in an accident. From the very first chapter to the last, her story evoked in me tears, laughter and many other emotions. It is an easy book to read in one sitting. Lizzie shares with us the importance for her in having the space to grieve, yet at the same time longing for the recognition by others that the impact of grief can last for years. The anguish she shares and her struggles as a Christian in trying to make sense of suffering from a biblical point of view are very profound. But this is not only a story about Lizzie. She also paints a wonderful, colourful picture of Robbie, a one in a million-young man – kind-hearted, easy going and full of fun – who touched the lives of many in different ways. He lived life to the full and with a Christian faith was not afraid to die. Robbie is a unique and unforgettable character who will continue to live on in the memory of many.
This is an unforgettable story which I encourage you to read. I am sure it will touch your heart like it did mine."

Christine Ledger
Author, Counsellor, Tutor

"Christine Ledger has worked for many years as a counsellor. She is a regular tutor on CWR’s courses and has co-authored many of their Insight books on subjects such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, anger, assertiveness, perfectionism and conflict.

As someone who lost a brother in a car accident, the feelings described in this book are only too familiar. As a Christian, I can relate to wrestling with the tough questions of faith. In this refreshingly honest account Lizzie describes how she’s found glimmers of hope in the midst of despair and doubt. This book can give the grieving some reassurance that the feelings they are experiencing are ‘normal’ and give those supporting them a valuable insight into the difficult journey."

Nicki Wisdom
Brothers and Sisters: Life after loss, Care for the Family

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Lizzie White graduated with a First-Class degree in Psychology in 1991 from the University of Reading. Thereafter she worked for eighteen years in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences on numerous externally-funded psychology research projects. Lizzie is currently part of the executive support team within the School supporting academic research.

Lizzie and her husband Nigel enjoy spending time with their grown-up children, walking in the countryside, being creative and tending their garden. Lizzie also plays the violin and mandolin and has played in local string orchestras. A churchgoer all her life, Lizzie and Nigel are active members of Greyfriars Church in the centre of Reading.

Twenty-Six Years to Eternity was written after one day changed life forever when Lizzie’s twenty-six-year-old son Robbie was tragically killed in an accident on his journey to work. The last three years have been a test of Lizzie’s faith in God, a journey searching for answers, a longing to come to a place of comparative peace.