“I found “The Surviving Spouse Club” so easy to read and very personable.  Though I have not suffered the pain of losing a spouse, I have lost several close family members.  Some died unexpectedly, and others without warning.  The Christian principles and down-to-earth examples make this a good resource for everyone.”

I bought a copy of this book for my mom who had lost her husband 3 years ago, but I read it before I could get it to her. Then I bought my own copy because it was so important.

“The Surviving Spouse Club” by Charles Foster helped open communication about our wishes and desires for our funerals and the time after.  The workbook pages will be good to complete before that time comes when we can’t think about those things.

As a teacher of nursing students who are learning about death and dying and grief process, I have found this book to be especially helpful to share with students.  It does not use the same “technical phrases” as similar books, and students feel as though they know Mr. Foster and his family.  Students can easily put themselves in place of this family or the family’s caregivers.

Mr. Foster’s book, “The Surviving Spouse Club” has been a good addition to the recommended reading list for my nursing students who are learning to take care of dying patients and their families.  Its combination of case study, clear and understandable analogies, and patients they strive to help.”

Renae Schumann, PhD., Assistant Professor of Nursing

“The Surviving Spouse Club has touched my heart and proven valuable in my life.  My loss was not a death but divorce which is a loss that I struggle with even today.

The scriptures are comforting and gave me a sense of not being alone.  It also makes me feel like my life is worthwhile and that I can survive my struggles.

I loved the book and find myself picking it up again and again to encourage me in my daily walk.  The perfect book for what is going on in my life.”

Linda Aaron

When I learned that Charles had written this book, I bought it for the check list in the back. Having known Pam and Charles professionally at first, I realized what a compassionate couple they are, in so many ways.  Over time, I observed that there is something very precious about them: they love the Lord and are a joy to be around.

As I read this book, I found it to be a guide through the toughest time, practical, honest, informative, yet tenderly written by Charles.  This was my second time reading the book because I believe in reading a book more than once.

I know Charles did all that was humanly possible for Cindy and the children during this time, because the depth of care and love Charles displays is his gift from God.  May God continue to bless you and you continue to help others who suffer loss.

Lucy Yeats

“Charles Foster knows the pain of grief. He has lived it and survived it! There is wisdom in this book: wisdom that has restored hope for life to men and women who have suffered the loss of their best friend, their spouses.

Through the skillful hands of Charles Foster, many have put their lives back together and truly learned how to not just survive, but thrive! I am one of them. God has given this man a passion to help those who hurt because of the loss of a spouse. You will be blessed as you read this book. God’s grace and mercy is on your way back to real life, here’s the road map. Your journey will be easier because of the wisdom contained in The Surviving Spouse Club!”

Don Anderson, Senior Minister, Alvin Church of Christ

“I thought after all the years my husband has traveled to every international country possible I truly knew where everything was, how to operate everything, all the passwords, etc.

Well…after reading The Surviving Spouse Club I totally realized…NO…I have a way to go.  Thank you Charles for your wonderful book that really opened my eyes.”

Kaye Cullum

“My husband, Randy, died four months after being diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer.  It was such a shock after his funeral when reality set in and there I was not a single mother and no longer a wife.  I turned to family, friends and most of all, to God.

I read “The Surviving Spouse Club” a year after Randy’s passing and I really wish I had this book during the milestones of that first year.  I am so grateful Charles Foster found the strength to share his experiences of the loss of his wife.

Unless you have grieved over the loss of a spouse, you really cannot understand what it is truly like whether expected or unexpected. I found myself truly identifying with emotions and reactions that he describes.  It is not easy but it is possible especially with God.  This book is a good resource.  I consider it a helpful guide.

Sometimes you can draw from other people’s experiences.  You cannot be told how to deal with emotions, experiences, and memories, but you can be guided.  This book is a very honest and sincere guide to help you when you are blindsided by loss and grief and carrying on everyday life.

I hope whoever reads this book will understand that you can survive and your life will go on.  God is with you, carrying you and loving you.  I am still surviving, my children are still surviving and we still grieve, but we are still living.

Becky Clark – Surviving Spouse 2009