Together

A book for dying children

Tenderly written and beautifully illustrated, this unique, hardcover book helps open up conversations between sick children, their families, caregivers, and medical team- so that no child ever dies with questions left unanswered, or sacred words left unspoken.

Beecher wrote “Together” for families who are coming to terms with the end of life of a beloved child. It’s for the dying child, and for all who love and grieve them. “Together” addresses all of the things that children think about as they prepare to let go of living... who will take care of their parents? Will their loved ones be able to feel their presence? Where will their energy go, and will they be remembered?

The book offers children and families the opportunity to process and understand life’s most challenging transition— together.

Together Testimonials

“Together is a thoughtful and beautifully empowering book for young people who are facing the possibility of their own death. It is so desperately need and, until know, has been missing.”

— Angela Anderson, MD | Director of Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

“This book... this is honestly the most moving and heartbreakingly beautiful book I've ever read. It's so incredibly special. There is nothing else like this. I can already see us reading and rereading it again and again, and finding new meaning each time.”

HK, 2024

Preview Together

  • Together

    Written by Beecher Grogan and Illustrated by Olivia Shea

  • When I was coming into being —

    before I was born,

    I lived in a warm, comfortable world.

    And it was all my own. 

    I didn't want to leave my lovely world.

    It felt safe, and known, and familiar to me.

    I loved it there.

    It was my home. 

  • If I go, I want you to live my life for me, alongside yours.

    I want you to laugh when I would laugh, give when i would give,

    smile when I would smile, and love when I would love.

    You can do my kindnesses. You can be my voice. 

    You can see, and hear, and sing for me-- (long dash)

    and I will be with you. 

  • It will be like that. But this time, I will be waiting patiently for you. 

    One day, I will welcome you to the new place,

    and help you feel safe and home.

    You will hold your head up on your tiny bird's neck

    and you will look around.

    And you will find me there.

    And we will smile.

  • Together includes six pages for legacy work, where the child can record their thoughts and wishes.

This first, hardcover printing of Together was funded by hundreds of donations from family and friends.

All proceeds from the first printing of the book are used to print more copies.

About the Author

Beecher is passionate about ensuring better quality of life and experiences for children and families coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.

I’ve had the honor of working with the world’s bravest children- those who have been in treatment for years on end with life-threatening illness. Too often, these courageous children and young adults pass away without a conversation about what happens next.

For their parents and caregivers, who are holding onto hope, it can be too painful or frightening to bring up the subject. From my years as a parent of a child who died of cancer, and leader of a nonprofit that works with children facing life-threatening illness, I have learned that children usually know when they are dying- but often keep their thoughts and questions to themselves for fear of upsetting their loved ones.

Through my end-of-life doula practice and 1:1 grief support, I provide families with the tools and resources they need to communicate deeply during their child’s care at end-of-life.

I offer children and families the opportunity to process and understand life’s most challenging transition— together.

About the Illustrator

Olivia Shea has been drawing and painting since she was a young girl.

She was 17 years old in 2014 when Beecher saw aa piece of her artwork on display and reached out to ask if Olivia would illustrate Together. Life took many twists and turns for Olivia, but Beecher knew that Olivia was the only person who could illustrate this book, and waited until Olivia was ready. In 2020, Olivia felt inspired to work on the project, and spent six months creating the artwork for Together.

Olivia is self taught, and feels honored to have her artwork included in this special project.

Get in touch.

I offer in-person, telephone, and online support services, adapting my approach to your specific needs. Get in touch to schedule your free 30-minute consultation today.