When my friend Karen was dying of pancreatic cancer in 2024, she gestured toward the picture book atop her bedside table. “Have you read that?” she asked.

I picked up a copy of The Next Place, by Warren Hanson. “I haven’t,” I said. “Do you want me to read it to you?”

“No…” Fatigue laced her words as she told me she had heard it several times. “You read it,” she said, then closed her eyes.

I later learned a friend had loaned Karen the book. It was new to her, too. And she wanted it read at her memorial service.

My dad and mom both died before Karen did, seven years and sixteen months respectively. I have never doubted that they are at peace and in a beautiful place. But as described on Hanson’s website, The Next Place “is a beautifully illustrated celebration of life, and an immeasurable comfort to those who have lost someone dear.” 

In the past month, I’ve mentioned Hanson’s book three times: to an acquaintance who lost three family members months apart nearly three years ago, to a friend whose beloved friend died two days before, and to a friend whose grandfather was admitted into hospice care that morning.

None of them had heard of The Next Place. Each accepted my offer to send links to Hanson’s book and this video. Their subsequent thank yous affirmed that they, too, were comforted by the story.

The holiday season always brings tender memories of my mom and dad. I’m grateful for Warren Hanson’s beautiful words. The Next Place has infused those memories with a layer of peace.