The book really focus into the family getting into religion. Religion really plays a big part into the story. The book doesn’t only says that Jay’s father was a devoted catholic and so was Mary, Jay’s wife. Jay wasn’t very religious at all. After Jay’s death Mary found herself getting closer with god as she mourned the lose of her husband.
Another theme of the story is being there for you family when they need you the most. After Jay’s death everyone in the family really helped out. Everyone helped with the kids and really overall just being there for each other.
A Death In the Family By Bailey 