457 Days: A Mother’s Journey Along Grief’s Path

On the first day, Kimberly A. Starr's world fell apart. On the 54th, she realized even just eating was an uphill struggle. On the 85th, she celebrated her son's birthday-even though he was no longer with her.

On the 264th day, she tried to make it through Christmas-the first without her son. On the 377th, she started thinking about her own healing process. On the 432nd, she started to let go.

457 Days is Starr's candid chronicle of these trying, life-altering days and every day in between, starting her journey on the 54th day after her son Tom died by suicide, recording her powerful emotions, relating cherished memories of her son, and expressing regret at the many ways he would never get to experience life.

Starr's work is an intimate portrait of grief and anguish that will touch anyone with a loved one suffering from mental illness and suicidal ideation. At the same time, it is a celebration of her son's life and legacy-ensuring that Tom will not be remembered solely for the mode of his death. Starr recounts an entire life of wonderful memories and unforgettable experiences-and her own journey toward acceptance and peace.

Kimberly A. Starr began writing 457 Days to help cope with her grief over the death of her son Tom. She hopes her words can help others going through a similar loss.

Starr received her bachelor’s degree in theater from Whitman College and her master’s degree in theater production from Central Washington University. In addition to teaching at both the high school and college levels, Starr owns and operates StarrBright Performance Consulting, which specializes in performance coaching and StarrBright Suicide Prevention Presentations.

Starr is married to L.J. Da Corsi and has two sons, Timothy and Thomas.