... I have wept while reading your dictionary definitions - there is in fact someone outside of New Zealand who feels the way I do ...
-KotaPress Reader from NZ

Notes from Dictionary of Loss Lexicographer, Kara L.C. Jones

Guidelines for submitting definitions

We continue to expand the Dictionary, so if you have words you'd like to add, please be in touch with us! We ask for the rights to publish definitions online and in print through KotaPress. Please email your ideas to editor@kotapress.com with "DICTIONARY OF LOSS" in the subject line of your email so it does not get lost in all the spam we get each day. Contributors will be recognized on our introduction page if they wish to be identified.

Permissions for use and reproduction

All contributions are covered by copyright here at KotaPress. If you wish to re-publish or copy this work anywhere for any purpose, you must get permission from us directly. We don't often say no. We just want to know where the work is being used and have the right to grant permissions or not as we see fit. Drop a note with your query to info@kotapress.com with "DICTIONARY OF LOSS" in the subject line of your email, and we'll get back to you ASAP.

How it all began

This Dictionary started as my personal reaction to reading Dr. Sukie Miller's book "Finding Hope After A Child Dies." Upon reading the book I discovered that the American language is ill equipped to handle the death of a child. Afterall, if your parents die, you are an orphan. And if you partner dies, you are a widow or widower. But if your child dies, what are you? No words. So I set out to make my own language.

After creating the first installment of this Dictionary, I posted it on ThemeStream when they still existed, and to my surprise many other parents responded immediately and intimately with their own contributions. We are now permanently housing this ever growing Dictionary here at KotaPress. I want to thank all of you who have helped me to realize my dream of being a lexicographer and please know that I'm honored to have this chance to recognize your process and your children in this way.

Contributors

Acknowledgement is gratefully given to the following:

• Cherri Miele, founder of MCLG
• Sarah Bain in memory of Grace
• Debbie in memory of Janet
• Diane Feeney, Sarah's mom
• Amy L. Abbey, in honor of Solomon
• Dawn Meisenheimer Lewis, Bereft of AA, CJ, and MJ
  
• Floria Kelderhouse, in memory of her precious son.
• Kahlilia, in memory of her precious MIRAcle.
• Peter & Nancy Grayson, in memory of their son, Joel.
• Joanne Cacciatore, founder of www.MissFoundation.org and mommy to Cheyenne.
• Peg Rousar-Thompson, founder of GriefWarehouse.org and mommy to Ross.
• Katie, mommy to Charles.
• Christine Howser, mommy to Steven and Timothy
• Nico, Nikki's mommy.
• Tara Mullett, mommy to Jessica Hope.
• Connie, Cassy's mom
• Jana, Alyssa Brooke's mom
• Max, founder of CampHeaven.com
• Wendy Anderson
• Hope's Mommy, Maralee.
• Vickie, Faith Sophia's mommy
• Sheri, Dakota's mommy
• Diane, mother Cathy, Matthew, Peter - and the two obedient ones (the two who listened to "Mum's Rule" about outliving their parents--see definition in "M" words) Alan and Cassandra
• Jen Mountney founder of HelloGoodbye and mommy to Amy Dawn.
• Taffy Todd in memory of her two angels-- Stuart Todd and Jill Riley
• Christy Schaefer in memory of Michael Paul and Peanut
• Tiara Lynne in memory of Colin Michael http://www.geocities.com/SistersInSorrow/
• Kara L.C. Jones, in memory of her precious son Dakota
• Plus to those who wish to remain anonymous