Deborah Heneghan - Closer Than You Think: The Easy Guide to Connecting with Loved Ones on the Other Side

About the Coauthor

W riting coach and award-winning, New York Times best-selling coauthor Linda Sivertsen has been midwifing stories since 1998. Writers, like Deborah, who come to her transformational writing retreats in Carmel-by-the-Sea often have no idea what to write about but leave with ideas that become book dealslike this one. Through Linda's experiences of caring for her parents when they were dying of cancer, she has developed a profound understanding of the process of grieving while staying open to inspiration and guidance.

Linda lives just north of Los Angeles with her dreamy man and their two precious pups. She can be reached at www.bookmama.com.

Acknowledgments

Deborah's Acknowledgments

I am forever grateful for the number of family members and friends who have supported me along my journey of writing this book. I've gained many new friends while being divinely guided to share a part of me and my life as it exists ever since my sister's transition in 1987. I'm very thankful to everyone who so openly shared their stories with me and allowed me to share them with you. This book would not be what it is without all of you.

I'd like to acknowledge and send a special thank-you to several very special people in my life. My wonderful, handsome, precious boys, Evan and Aaden. Every day you touch my heart in a way that words can't describe. I'm eternally grateful for the blessing of you both. I pray you will always know, feel, and see how beautiful life is and how precious you are to me and to this world. Most of all, I give you my love and support forever. Thank you for reminding me of the purity and unconditional love we are all made of. You both are an inspiration to me, and I'm honored to be your mom. I know you'll always bring greatness to this world.

To Jim Heneghan, a wonderful man and father to Evan and Aaden. I could not have done this without your unconditional support since I started this journey. You believed in me from day one, and I can't thank you enough. I will never forget the sacrifices made and the support during the many long evenings and nights working to meet deadlines. Your input and guidance has been invaluable. You've helped me to see beyond my own little world. I'm forever grateful to you.

To my fabulous, awesome parents, Ed and Pat. Thank you for always believing in me and supporting me for all decisions I've made in my life, even those you didn't necessarily agree with. Your love and support means the world to me. Your strength and courage to handle life's experiences is a true inspiration. You both are amazing, and I'm honored to be your daughter.

To my beautiful, loving, big sister, Cindy, who is very special to me in so many ways. We've been through a lot in our lives, but never once did we leave each other's side. You're amazing! Thank you for you and for everything you do for me in every area of my life. I will always be grateful for your help, support, guidance, and love. I wouldn't be who I am today if you weren't in my life. Love you tons and tons!

To my very best friend and soul sister, Jules, who entered my life over ten years ago. You've taught me more than I can ever thank you for. You are a true Angel here on earth, and I will always be grateful for our talks, our secrets, and those emotional roller-coaster rides, but most of all for our acceptance of each other for who we are. Thank you for being my inspiration and cheering section along the path to write this book, but also along my spiritual journey. You're the best!

To the rest of my beautiful family and friendsyou are all are very special to my heart. I wouldn't be who I am without the love and support you've shown me throughout my life. I'll always cherish the closeness we have. We are family!

Linda Sivertsen, my coauthor and forever friend. This book would not be what it is today if it wasn't for you, your creativity, and your tremendous talent. You and your beautiful, gifted writing assistant, Natalie Kottke, helped me put together the winning book proposal that landed me the deal with Hampton Roads and Red Wheel/Weiser. You helped bring life to this book. You are a true Angel brought to me from above. Thank you so much for those long days, evenings, and nights. Most of all, thanks for you. You rock, sista!

My heartfelt thanks goes out to those of you who shared your powerful, beautiful stories with me and with the readers of this book. I'm eternally grateful to you for sharing a part of your lives with us. You've touched my heart so deeply with your stories, and I know you'll do the same for everyone else. Thank you from my entire heart and soul for your caring heart. I'm very blessed to know each of you.

To all of the Breckinridge babes, beauties and my forever soul sisters: Linda, Natalie, Dana, Elaine, Lynda, and Teresa. I'll never forget our week together in Colorado. You are all an inspiration to me. Thank you for your encouragement, ideas, support, guidance, and love for my writing project, which you now hold in your hands.

Caroline, Ali, Bonni, Susie, and everyone at Red Wheel/ Weiser, thank you so much for seeing the gifts and blessings in this book and placing your confidence in me. Thank you for your continued guidance and input throughout the process of writing, editing, and finalizing the book. It is a true pleasure to work with each of you!

To my cohost and friend, Dr. Bill Clark, you've been a tremendous inspiration to me as I journey down my own spiritual path. You've taught me so much each week on our radio show, and you've helped me to understand more about the true me. I'll never forget the support you've shown me. You are a true Angel on this earth, and I'm blessed to know you.

Most of all, thank you, Kathy, my beautiful sister, my Angel friend, and my inspiration for all that I do and for all that I am. This book is here because of you. You're amazing! Thank you, God and all of our loved ones who have transitioned, and all heavenly guides and Angels who have continuously guided me and led me down my own spiritual path. I appreciate life so much more because you've sprinkled a bit of heaven upon me. I'm blessed to be able to share this stardust with everyone who reads this book!

Hugs and blessings to all!

Linda's Acknowledgments

It's been my honor to work with Deborah on this blessing of a book. I'll never forget our first meeting, in the mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado, with our writing retreat group. Thanks to Elaine, Teresa, Dana, Lynda, and Natalie for supporting Deb in her embrace of this sacred topic. Her heartfelt desire to share Kathy and their continuing relationship with others touched us all. Big love to everyone in this book who shared their stories, and to those who make every day a blessing for memy best friend Diane Chandler; my sister and her husband, Carol and Bill Allen; our angels Dorothy Allen, and Al and Joanne Tisch; my son, Tosh Sivertsen (and his beautiful sis Hayli Metter), and the love of my life, Larry Metter. Here's to our journey togetherwhether here or there, may our bonds be eternal.

About the Author

D eborah Heneghan is an inspirational spiritual teacher, author, intuitive, Reiki certified healer, and Angel worker and has been on her spiritual path for many years. She is also a professional businesswoman and has worked as a software architect for over nineteen years.

Deborah has helped thousands of people work through the grieving process from the loss of a loved one, through her teleseminars, personal coaching, spiritual workshops and retreats, and radio show.