He's All I Have

Meet the book that might just help "save the life" of a young child.

Meet the 67-year old kewpie doll who made the book happen.

Meet the co-authors who are eager to share all this with you.

This book may be like none you have ever read.

You will learn about how to respond -- and how NOT to respond -- when a tragic loss occurs and a young child is affected by it.

We combine two distinct perspectives:

The autobiography of a senior who now looks back on his childhood
The loving pastoral care and sensible guidance from a cherished rabbi

When you finish -- and it will not take long -- you will feel better prepared to nurture a young child through the loss of a loved one. But, we hope you will never have to.

Even though this is a book about a doll, it is not a children's book.

BUY NOW

He's All I Have book is available in paperback or Amazon Kindle

A harrowing story with a heart-healing conclusion

When a loved one dies and a young child survives -- a parent, another relative or a close friend is there to provide the guidance and love that will see the child through this crisis.

But it doesn't always happen that way.

This is the story of a three-year old who loses his father, then hears nothing. From anyone. For years. His only link to his father: a childhood doll. To this day he cherishes that prized possession, and recounts how as a child he would often cry himself to sleep with the doll's face pressed close to his cheek. Read this story, then hear from a compassionate rabbi who shares a comprehensive collection of suggestions. Learn how to create a supportive community for the surviving child. Then discover the rabbi's special motivation to become a perfect partner in telling this story.

Come along and meet Monny, the adorable kewpie doll you will never forget.

About the authors

Steve Cony

I am a marketing communications consultant, based in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. My consulting practice is now 27 years old. But more importantly, I try to be a loving husband, a proud father and a super-proud grandfather. Before establishing my own business, I spent about 12 years on Madison Avenue, managing high profile advertising accounts. My clients were Chrysler, Burger King, Eastman Kodak and Dunkin' Donuts.

I also spent five years in a companion career, as a professional motivational speaker. More specifically, I was a motivational humorist and spoke to business groups and conventions about how a person can use one's sense of humor in the workplace -- to manage more gracefully, to sell more effectively, and to cope with the nonsense of today's corporate work environment.

I hope my father would be proud. (You will understand.)

Rabbi Jennifer Jaech

I am a rabbi serving Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. My grown son brings me lots of joy, and I’m also blessed to have a loving husband and a circle of wonderful family and friends.

Before becoming a rabbi, I worked for the Washington State Senate and then as a legislative liaison for The Evergreen State College. During this time I discovered Judaism and began a spiritual journey that led me to the rabbinate.

Working as a rabbi has allowed me to hone the skills I learned while working in the political world; and then use those skills to build sacred community. I have also drawn on the example of my mother, Lorna Jaech. Although she died when I was a child, she shaped my life in a profound and lasting way.

My mother’s legacy is one of kindness and caring for others. I feel her influence every day in my work as a rabbi.

We hope you will sit back, relax and view the 25-minute presentation by Steve and Rabbi Jaech from our very first book signing.

Meet Monny

Monny is known in the antique doll market as a soft kewpie. He is sort of a genuine 1940's-type kewpie doll -- but made out of soft cotton rather than rubber or plastic, like most all of the other kewpies. Thus, he is eminently huggable -- and that is what has always made him so important to Steve. Monny has resided in Steve's various homes for 67 years, and he now lives in Steve's bedroom dresser. Kewpie dolls are all over ebay, etc. -- but soft kewpies (like Monny) are actually very rare.

What They're Saying

"This is an endearing and deeply touching story that will resonate for anyone who reads it. Rabbi Jaech's commentary is insightful and she "grounds" the story in very helpful interpretations."

- Daniel A. Beltran, LCSW, Director of Counseling Services, Hospice of Westchester

"This book showers the reader with relevant, thoughtful and powerful information that we can use at one of the most poignant moments in a young person's life. Our quest to provide an adequate explanation when a family member or friend dies is served up beautifully and with heart. Thank you for this gift."

- Stephanie Garry, Chief Administrative Officer, Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, Inc.

"Monny is indeed the link that everyone in life deserves -- to walk with their loved one, living or deceased. Thank you to Rabbi Jaech for helping us see that Mitzvah is not just a good deed but “the sacred obligation of saving a life.” She equips those who are confronted with loss, especially when the bereaved is a child."

- Sister Jo-Anne Faillace, OP, Interfaith Chaplain

"This charming and informative book speaks in two distinct voices about the process of childhood bereavement. The story of Steve Cony and his beloved childhood doll “Monny” is clear, sad, and conveys the child’s experience of bewilderment at the loss of a parent. Rabbi Jennifer Jaech's commentaries and recommendations, while occasionally also personal, explain the concepts behind Steve’s experiences and his attempts to come to terms with what happened. Her comments are beautifully thoughtful and accurate, given what we now know about the child’s experience of mourning. Without blame, the consequences of adults being ill prepared or unwilling to deal with childhood grief are clearly described as a “cautionary tale”. This brief book is poignant, accurate, and teaches from and to the heart and mind."

- Christiana Ulrich, LCSW, specialist in hospice and bereavement