Before their Time is a collection of memorial songs produced by Michael Whitman, a musician and Hospice volunteer. After the death of his son at 23, Whitman produced the album to benefit Hospice (Vermont/New Hampshire) and the New Hampshire Youth Suicide Prevention Association.

         The album, available as CD or cassette tape, contains a variety of music. There are songs for bereaved parents, siblings, friends, spouses, and children. They range from pop and folk songs such as Beth Niesen Chapmans' "Sand and Water" and Cindy Bullens' "Somewhere between Heaven and Earth" to songs I had never heard, such as the lovely ballad "Turning towards the Morning" by Gordon Bok.

         After the death of a loved one, we have to choose between sinking into grief permanently or moving forward into life, using our strengths to help others. Clearly, Mr. Whitman chose to use his heart-breaking experience in a way that benefits many survivors.

         If you want to order Before their Time, visit the website at www.beforetheirtime.org.