I'll Hold You in Heaven

One of Hayford's most widely read books, published by Regal in 1990 and revised in later editions (Chosen, 2003). It is written for parents who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or early infant death. Hayford writes as a pastor who had met many such parents, and offers biblical answers to the questions they ask, especially whether they will know their children in heaven. He builds on David's words at the death of his child with Bathsheba, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23), which he takes as a promise that parents may expect to meet, recognise and be with their children. The book also offers practical help on what grieving parents can do. It addresses parents who have had an abortion with the same offer of hope.