It's Not Your Fault

0:00 It's not your fault by Maxine Golden. I hope that you will get what you need from this book. I wrote this book for children who experience a tremendous amount of grief and loss. And when they have behaviors that look negative, they get labeled. I want you to know that I see you and the pain behind the behavior. This book is also available as an e -book or paper copy. It's Not Your Fault is a tender, soul -stirring story for children navigating the heartbreak of losing someone they love. With gentle language, faith -filled encouragement, and illustrations that speak where words fall short, this book wraps young hearts in one unshakable truth.

0:41 You are not the reason they left. Written by Maxine Golden, children's author, parent coach and therapist, This book carries the rare gift of clinical wisdom delivered with a mother's tenderness. Whether a child is moving through divorce, foster care, adoption transitions or profound loss, It's Not Your Fault meets them exactly where they are, offering healing, honesty and hope. More than a story, this is a sanctuary, a place where big feelings are welcomed, grief is honoured and every child is reminded that they are seen, cherished and never to blame.

1:19 Rooted in grace and truth, this book doesn't just comfort, it restores.

1:28 Prior written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for loss or damage resulting from errors, omissions or reliance on information hearing. Compliance with all applicable laws and professional regulations is solely the reader's responsibility. Any perceived slight of any individual or organisation is unintentional. Resources provided are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional training or the judgement of a licensed healthcare or mental health provider.

2:07 Always consult a trained professional before making decisions, dedications. Dear child, you are seen and worthy of love. God has a plan for you. To reign my first child critique, you offered a perspective only an eight -year -old could bring. You said, it's good, I like it. You helped to make this book real. To our children Shay, Sophia, Robert, and our spiritual daughters, Saraya and Lashay, this book was written for you. God sent you into our lives so we could love you. To Mum and Dad, your unwavering love, faith and encouragement have carried me through every twist and turn of this journey.

2:44 To Shari, your reaction to this work moved me. Your strength and inspiration remind me that we rise through adversity. To Sharon, Nikki, John, Miriam, Aisha, Chris and all my family and friends, thank you for your laughter, wisdom and support. And of course, last but never least, thank you to my husband, Rob, for being there for me every step of the way. Most of all, my life source, my loving, wonderful Abba father. To all the clinicians, therapists and caregivers who walk with these precious children, your compassion lights the way and brings healing to little hearts.

3:20 Note to the reader, this book is for the tender -hearted children who carry burdens far too heavy for their young shoulders and for the adults who still bear scars of childhood heartbreak. May these pages offer a small step towards healing, a reminder that you deserve to be loved, and a promise that you were never to blame. A special dedication. To Myron, my brother -in -law, and my brother Hineshuah, one of God's generals and a gift to the body of Christ, you are a vessel God used to activate the entrepreneurial gift he had placed within you.

3:54 Your mentorship, your leadership, and your business coaching was the missing piece. that trained, transformed and taught me how to thrive. Thank you. To my amazing brothers in love, Jeff, Mike, Dwayne, Mark and Derek. Each of you has left an imprint on my journey. Your collective words of encouragement and the gift of wisdom are imprinted on my heart. Thank you for being part of the story Hashem is writing through me. With deepest gratitude and love, Maxine Golden, your favourite sister in love.

4:28 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. Proverbs 1816 KJV One day Graziano was thinking and wondering where everybody had gone. She went to sit under the tree. Graziano sat very still. Around her the world kept moving, birds sang, leaves danced, but inside her heart something felt very heavy. Graziano's voice was soft. Why do people leave? she asked. She didn't shout, she didn't cry, she just wondered. She thought about the people she used to know, the ones who were no longer there.

5:05 Some had left slowly, some had left all at once, but they had all left. Graziana was worried and wondered if it was because of something she had done. She felt sad. Graziana missed the people that she used to laugh and play with. She thought about her friends from her old school and wondered if she had made them leave. Suddenly, Graziana felt scared. Her heart started beating fast and she didn't know why. She missed all the people who were special to her. She wanted to tell someone that she was feeling sad but she didn't know who she could tell.

5:38 I can't tell mum because she's gone and I don't know where she is and I think she left because of me. I can't tell grandma or grandpa or Tia or pop pop. I think that was my fault too that I can't see them anymore. Bear could tell that she blamed herself and thought that it was her fault. He could see she was sad and he wanted to help her. Bear thought about who Graziana could talk to about her feelings. Graziana? said Bear gently. Can I tell you something important? Graziana looked up. Yes, she said quietly.

6:11 Someone kind, someone safe, someone who would listen. Maybe she could talk to her foster mum or her counselor. Bear sat down beside her. Sometimes people leave, Bear said. and it can feel very, very sad," Graziana nodded. But here is what I want you to know," Bear continued. It's not your fault. Bear looked at Graziana with kind eyes. When someone leaves, Bear said, you can feel like your heart breaks into pieces. Graziana placed her hand on her chest. Yes, she whispered, it does. Suddenly Graziana had a flashback.

6:47 Maybe my parents are somewhere close by. Graziana began to cry. She asked herself this very important question. Why do the people, I love them, what did I do wrong? It's my fault they left. Because if I were a good girl, they would have stayed. And now I cannot love anyone else because they will leave me too. No, no, no, said Bear. It was never your fault. You did nothing wrong. Really, she said, OK. It's OK to remember the people from before, said Bear softly. And to feel thankful for the ones who take care of you now.

7:18 Your heart has enough room. Graziana felt something shift inside her chest, like a door opening just a little bit, like a tiny piece of sunshine slipping through. But love, said Bear, is very, very strong. Even when people leave, the love does not disappear. Graziana looked up. It doesn't? Love lives in your heart, Graziana, and it always finds a way to stay. Graziana thought about that for a while. Rabbit hopped closer. Do you think love travels? She asked. Bear smiled. Yes, love travels even when people are far away.

7:54 Does love disappear when people leave? Not at all, said Bear. Love doesn't disappear if it travels and it stays in our hearts forever so that we can wire over the people that left, even though we did not make that happen. Sometimes the people we love leave not because of anything you did, but simply because they chose to. There was nothing you could have done to stop them. You did not make them leave. You could not have made them stay. Every adult chooses to leave for their own reasons. Leaving was never, ever your fault.

8:23 If you ever feel scared, sad or lonely, just put your hand on your heart to find peace. The people you love will be with you in your heart and the pieces of your heart will be made whole again. If you close your eyes, listen to your heart and pray, forgive yourself and forgive others. Your heart will feel better. The end is the new beginning.