The Little Boy in the Tree

Roland Russoli received the call that every parent fears. His beloved son Andrew had been killed while serving his country. Here he shares his journey from shock and indefinable grief, to the possibility of healing and reclaiming joy. Through the correspondences he shared with friends as he moved around the world and worked to make peace with his unspeakable loss, he dares to examine his feelings with honesty, humility, and even humor. To lose a child is an extremely isolating event, and it is his hope that by sharing his story, others who find themselves on this terrible path, or know someone else who is traveling it, will know they are not alone.

Roland Russoli is a Vietnam veteran, was director of volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, managed a homeless shelter, was a jeweler, and a variety of other occupations. He is contemplating his next career opportunity. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife, Sarah.