Max Hartman: A Life Full of Passion
Max Hartman was a lively young man, always full of energy and enthusiasm. He balanced a variety of hobbies, including surfing, snowboarding, and playing the guitar. A civil engineering student at Delft, Max was nearing the end of his bachelor’s program and looking forward to beginning his master’s in Amsterdam. With a promising future ahead, Max was excited for what was next.
The Fateful Day at Scheveningen Beach
In early May 2020, Max had been eagerly tracking the weather forecast, excited about the perfect conditions for surfing. Despite rough waves, Max and his friend Mathijs decided to go surfing, agreeing that they would simply relax on the beach if the surf wasn’t favorable.
That evening, they entered the water at Scheveningen Beach with a group of bodysurfers. However, a sudden shift in the wind and a thick layer of foam from the storm quickly overtook the area. They were overwhelmed by the conditions, and tragically, five young surfers, including Max, lost their lives. The rescue mission quickly turned into a search-and-recovery operation.
A Mother’s Unimaginable Grief
At home, Max’s mother was enjoying a quiet evening with a friend when the police arrived at 2:15 AM to inform her that Max was missing. She had just spoken with him the day before and couldn’t comprehend what had happened. In that instant, her world collapsed. Despite the overwhelming sorrow, she knew she had to remain strong for her 7-year-old daughter, Ivy. The mother she had once been disappeared that night, but Ivy still needed her.
Writing Through the Pain
In the weeks following Max’s death, his mother began writing letters to Ivy, hoping to help her understand the loss and to keep Max’s memory alive. These letters eventually turned into a book, written in the raw, unfiltered moments of grief. The book details the first year of loss, from the shock to the deep, silent ache of a future that would never be the same. It is a mother’s unvarnished truth, written in real time, without any attempt to offer easy answers or advice.
The book resonated deeply with other grieving parents, becoming a national bestseller in the Netherlands. It gave voice to the unspoken feelings of those in mourning, offering recognition and connection. Now, the English edition is available, with all proceeds going to the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), which helped search for Max.
A Tribute to KNRM’s Lifesaving Work
The KNRM, made up of volunteers, dedicates their lives to saving others from the dangers of the sea. Their work continues even after the worst has happened, as they ensure that those lost at sea are returned to their families. Max’s mother hopes that the book’s proceeds will help support KNRM in their ongoing efforts. The Dutch edition of the book raised over €60,000 for the organization, and the English version aims to continue this legacy.
A Lifeline for Grieving Parents
The book has provided a vital source of comfort for many grieving parents. It doesn’t offer solutions but instead gives voice to the truth of what it’s like to lose a child—the overwhelming pain and the unrelenting grief. By sharing her personal journey, Max’s mother hopes others in similar situations can find solace, knowing they are not alone.