A Reflection on Sides: Conversations with Dad

When I wrote and published my book in 2012, very little had been written about the continuation and evolution of a father-daughter relationship both on earth, and beyond.  Sides: Conversations with Dad is such a book.  It chronicles both the earthly relationship between me, Diane Halperin, and my father, Yale, and then the spiritual relationship through our conversations after Dad made his transition on April 5, 2003.

As a therapist who believes in the necessity of living life from the soul, I discovered the magic of using a mirror as a portal into connecting with deeper layers of the Self.  Through this self-exploration with the mirror, I learned how to actually see myself, not just look at my reflection. This gift of seeing led to loving, rather than criticizing or judging, myself.  Being in a healing profession, I have offered this technique to many in hopes that they, too, could learn to love themselves.

After my father passed on, I began to miss my Dad’s voice as well as his wisdom, humor, compassion, and understanding. I was determined to find a way to connect with him and continue our relationship. I decided to revisit the magic of the mirror, reasoning if I could connect with my higher self in that way, then perhaps I could reach Dad using the same portal. By looking into my own eyes, I found my father’s soul.

Sides: Conversations with Dad illuminates both the building and evolving earthly bond as father and daughter and then, after Dad’s passing, the continuing communing from our new, shared vantage point.

In the process of writing this book, I was blessed with an added benefit. I could read each chapter to my Mother, Ida Epstein Halperin, who made her transition in August 2013. Thrilled by her delight in revisiting her life with Dad and their shared history, I felt blessed to remind her and thank her for the magnificent job she lived as a person, wife, and mother.

After I read a chapter to her over the phone, she would reply with such glee:

“Diane, that was wonderful! And, it’s so easy to understand. If I can understand it, anybody can.”

“Mom, I’m thrilled you can take in what I’m writing because you are ‘the audience’ in my head. You’re such a visual, kinesthetic learner. I knew that if you could see and feel what I was saying, you’d get it.”

“Well, Honey, I saw it and felt it and loved, loved, loved every minute of it.”

“My Highest Prayer answered, Mom.”

And, my “Highest Prayer” for you, the reader, is the same—that you see, feel, and love Sides: Conversations with Dad.

Recommended for anyone who is or will be mourning the passing of a loved one, Sides: Conversations with Dad will encourage individuals to begin or continue communing with loved ones who have passed on.  It strikes a familiar chord and offers solace, hope, and renewal.

Pick up a Kindle edition on Amazon.com.