The Forever Penny: How Our Loved Ones Stay Connected After Death

Author Allen Liles lost his wife Jan to a sudden heart attack on February 28, 2017. Soon after her passing, he began finding both old and new pennies in various locations, inside and outside of his apartment. One of the little bronze coins seemed to turn up on an almost daily basis. Rev. Liles soon began wondering if the pennies might somehow be related to his wife’s passing. He finally decided it was Jan’s way of telling him “Hey, Babe, don’t worry. I’m still here. Every time you find another penny, it’s just me saying hello.” In the grief group that Rev. Liles attended after his wife’s death, he reported finding the pennies. He shared his feeling that Jan was still communicating with him through the coins. Several other members of the group added stories of their own strange experiences after a loved one had passed. Some people spoke about animals or birds that appeared suddenly out of nowhere. No one believed the unusual appearances were accidental. Every incident was viewed as a loved one’s way of reassuring those left behind. During his prayer and meditation time on the morning after Jan’s unexpected passing, Rev. Liles asked God to help him in coping with the difficult days ahead. He discerned the still, small voice of Spirit reassuring him of divine assistance during the grief process. Then, he heard: “Your dear wife is here now, sitting right next to Me. When you come for your morning meditations, she and I will both be waiting for you.” THE FOREVER PENNY is about how God and his dear wife’s loving spirit helped Rev. Liles navigate the first six months of his grief journey. He hopes his story will provide hope to anyone experiencing the loss of someone they loved.

"After the loss of a loved one, every day can be a challenge. Rev. Allen C. Liles has composed a beautiful, heart-felt book about his own journey through profound grief that provides vital spiritual support and wisdom to navigate the difficult ups and downs. This book is testimony to the fact that our loved ones on the other side are always with us, and God's love and guidance in the unfoldment of our spiritual destiny is steadfast."
Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author, Calling Upon Angels: How Angels Help Us in Daily Life

"The Forever Penny is a gift of love and transformation! The author shares his spiritual journey, following the death of his beloved partner, Jan. His detailed, authentic, courageous questions/ needs/concerns are responded to by God and Jan. This book is much more than a guide for the grieving. It is a love story that tells the story behind the Glory. Doubt. Passion. Commitment. Illness. Celebration. Pain. Persistence. Strength. Faith. Family. All of this and more, giving hope to the reader both for the joyful possibilities of earthly life, and the immense eternal rewards we seek.
Cindy C., Kansas City, MO

"In the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Liles documents the days, meditations and conversation that guide him through the loss. "Forever Penny" is about faith, identity and love. It is about still wanting to contribute to the greater good--from the new place where grace has brought you."
Alisa M., Dallas, TX

"A truly unique and heartwarming glimpse into the rarity of "forever love"--an unforgettable journey, magically conceived and offered."
Dan M., Sherman, TX

"I loved reading this book about an amazing couple."
Julie V. A., Minneapolis, MN

"I like your format and find it easy to read and to relate to. My father came to me in a dream (after he died) to tell me he loved me. I still think of that dream and it is just as real now.
I relate to the idea of finding the pennies, too. When I need some encouragement, I will find quarters. They all tell me, "In God we trust."
I think your book will be well received by others who have lost someone. It will provide encouragement and open their eyes to possibilities. 
Thank you for sending the book. I will continue to enjoy it over time."
Sharon F., Chaska, MN

"I served as book editor during Allen's tenure at Unity from 1997 to 2001, and like many others privileged to know him and his delightful wife Jan, I did not want them to leave. He was unquestionably the best boss I ever had, encouraging, supportive, creative and yet constructively critical. In many ways, this book on grief is similar. It gives us a powerful way to deal with the loss of anyone--or anything--precious to us, a way that honors our feelings and yet is sensitive to the life journey we are still walking. "The Forever Penny" is an intimate and authentic memoir of a great relationship, and how to survive the loss of the love of your life. In the process, Liles shows us how it can deepen your spiritual relationship with God and how that can provide direction for where you are still going. And how your lost spouse can still be with you, one penny at a time!"

Rev. Michael A. Maday, former editor for Unity House and anthologist for New Thought for a New Millennium.

"A wonderful tribute."
Danielle M., Bloomington, MN

"A beautiful read."
Patricia M., Rockdale, TX

"I loved every page of it. I will read it over and over again."
Sharon V., St. Paul, MN

"I love this!"
Melissa B., Lee's Summit, MO