In our lives we wear many hats. I wear the hat of educationist, engineer and marketer, as well as that of father, son, friend and husband. This book is all about the hat of father and the dark road upon which I was thrust when the hat was suddenly blown away with the death of my beloved son. No academic qualification can prepare one for the devastating heartbreak when a deeply loved one departs from this world. From Pitch-black to Silver is not only a raw cry from a broken heart in the desert. It is also written to try and comfort those who are on this road, to assure them that there is life after physical death, that things will improve and that we will meet up with our loved ones one day. If this book could help just one person on this terrible journey to breathe more easily in the darkest hour of their life, then it was worth writing. I extend my sincere brotherly love to everyone experiencing the raw pain of losing a loved one. Pine Pienaar