August 2010 Good Housekeeping selection.

Julie Nicholson’s life was torn apart when her daughter was killed in the 7/7 London bombings. A Song For Jenny is an honest account of a mother’s struggle to reconcile her feelings with her faith.

Synopsis

Among the heartbreaking tragedies created by the 7/7 London bombings, Julie Nicholson's stood out. The tragic loss of her daughter Jenny, 24, a gifted musician, left Julie questioning her role as a vicar, and she ultimately decided to step down, unable to forgive her daughter's killers. Jenny Nicholson was travelling to work when a bomb exploded at Edgware Road Tube station. Her mother, Reverend Julie Nicholson, was on holiday in Anglesey at the time and watched the situation unfold on the television before travelling to London to search for her missing daughter. After five terrible days, her daughter's death was confirmed. Struggling to comprehend the tragedy, Julie's sorrow and longing for her beloved daughter turned to rage and anger at the senseless death. In the aftermath of the horror, Julie found herself unable to articulate the three parts of the Eucharist: peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, because she 'felt so far from those herself', and she made the most difficult decision imaginable, to resign her role as priest-in-charge of St Aidan with St George Church, Bristol. She now works with a community arts group 'making connections with God through the creative arts'. With courage and honesty, Julie tells her story for the first time. This is her battle to reconcile her feelings with the faith that is the backbone of her life, and her journey to find peace. This is a mother's story.

About the Author

Julie Nicholson's daughter Jenny, a gifted musician, died in the 7/7 London bombings of 2005. Julie was also priest of two churches in Bristol, St Aidan's and St George's. Eight months after her daughter's death Julie resigned from her position. Julie continues to work with the church in a youth arts project. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation