Rockford-area dentist writes book of poetry inspired by loss of 4-year-old son | MyStateline

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – A book written by a local dentist has a very personal and dark story.

That’s where Leann Burch was in 2016 when she lost her four-year-old son Jordan to cancer.

Like other mothers who have lost children, Burch experienced a range of emotions and sometimes felt alone in her pain.

“When my child had cancer, I thought, ‘At least I’m not one of those parents who lost their child to cancer.’ My child’s chances of recovery were very high,” Burch said. “But he just wasn’t one of those who got cured. So it’s a very surreal experience.”

In the midst of a storm, Burch began writing poetry. On June 4, she released “7 Years of Grief,” a collection of works with the powerful message that no one is alone in difficult times.

“I think,” says Burch, “that it’s often very reassuring when you feel something and know that someone else has felt it before – that you’re not the first person to feel sad, hopeless, depressed or angry about what happened to you.”

“7 Years of Grief” is available free of charge at SRM prints in downtown Rockford and is for sale on Amazon.

“It’s a great feeling, from mom to mom and small business owner to small business owner, especially as an artist, to help Leann get a little bit more reach with her book,” said Sarah Reed-McNamara, owner of SRM Prints.

Burch said her book resonates with those who stood by her when she lost her son, and she hopes the central message of “7 Years of Grief” will have a far-reaching impact on the community.

“It was a healing thing for me and hopefully it will work for someone else,” Burch said.

Burch, who owns Burch Dental with her husband, plans to continue writing and hopes to publish another book in the future.