Losing a child may be the hardest thing any person can experience. We all react to tragedy in different ways, but many would agree that keeping busy and working toward a goal can help ease the pain.

Daphne author Judy Diller has used the her unsettling experience to write “Beyond Life.” She said that after her oldest son, Charlie, died, he spoke to her.

“Different people handle their grief in numerous ways,” she began. “When my oldest son Charlie died four years ago at age 23, I heard Charlie’s voice telling me to write a book concerning my dreams.”

She said she set to work following Charlie's advice.

“I followed Charlie’s command with the help of our youngest son, Bobbee, who helped pen “Beyond Life,” she explained. “The end result, 'Beyond Life,' (is) a fantasy fiction about a young man in another world who strives to save his Earth siblings from the Shadow Mist.”

Diller divulged that Charlie's sudden death resulted in dreams about where he's gone, the inspiration for the book.

“Charlie, a student at nearby Faulkner State College, began feeling ill one day in May 2009; he passed away July 3, 2009; she recalled. “My dreams about Charlie living in another realm began a few months after his death. I would feel myself slowly emerge into another world, knocking on a door where my mother appeared; once inside I viewed a grand piano (and) a hallway leading to bedrooms. Opening one bedroom door, I encounter my deceased nephew Johnny, and Charlie lounging on beds. I begin a conversation with both who clearly ask for my help in regard to the unrest in their Spiro realm … ”

She said the book has been cathartic in many ways.

“As I was writing the book, I started to feel at peace within myself,” she expressed. “I would hear Charlie telling me in my mind what he went through with school bullying, depression, struggle with self image – I could write for hours not ever glancing at the clock. Charlie’s character in 'Beyond Life' is Feshy, the hero who stands his ground against all odds, and tries to rebuild his family elders' relationships.”

Diller said she felt this book to be a logical step, as she has experienced the paranormal for many years.

“My belief in the paranormal started at a fairly young age, soon after my Grandmother Bushur died,” she revealed. “She appeared to me inside my childhood home.”

She said that was the first of many occurrences.

“After my dad passed away on June 15, 1978, a similar dream occurred – this time I was asked to deliver a message to my mom,” she said. “I felt uneasy until I told Mom the message. He also told her, 'Judy, if you ever need my help, just say my name, I’ll be right beside you.' With that, he disappeared. I have had numerous paranormal happenings after that night … Since that night I have been a firm believer of the paranormal.”

Diller said she doesn't think of herself as a writer, but as a person who had something to say about the events in her life.

“'Beyond Life' has helped me cope with Charlie’s death by expressing my thoughts ... through the book,” she divulged. “I felt no one wanted to listen to me, it seemed everyone went on with their life and left me behind, so I put all the feelings I was having into the book. I am not a professional writer just a grieving mom with a sense of loss who writes with her heart.”

“Beyond Life” is available at tsw.createspace.com/title/4278990 and at BarnesandNoble.com.