Grief and Healing
About the Author
Nicholas Portela
Nicholas Portela never planned on writing a children’s book, but some stories insist on being told.
By day, Nicholas serves with the New York City Fire Department, a career rooted in courage, service and resilience. Off duty, he’s a passionate moviegoer, a lifelong gamer, an anime fan and someone who has always found inspiration in stories of strength against the odds.
Always is his first book born from the desire to help families talk about grief, honor the love that never fades and remind children that it’s okay to feel, to cry, and to heal.
Nicholas Portela
Video trailer
About the Book
Always
Tomas believed he was the luckiest boy alive. With loving parents, joyful family traditions and dreams fueled by his father’s encouragement, his childhood felt secure and bright.
But everything changed the day his mother became ill. What follows is a tender, honest look at how a child confronts loss, wrestles with anger and loneliness, and eventually finds strength in the love that remains.
Through Tomas’s eyes, readers witness both the raw ache of grief and the quiet, steady power of healing. His story speaks to anyone, young or old who has ever lost someone they love.
Always is more than a children’s book. It’s a companion for families navigating grief, a tool for opening difficult conversations and above all, a testament to the enduring truth that while people may leave us, their love stays forever.
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News & Articles

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Helping Children Find Words for Grief
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