We all grieve, remember, and move forward in remarkably diverse ways. Oftentimes, deeply private ways. To state the obvious: grieving is both universal and idiosyncratic. It is unique to each person. Simply put: the task of grieving never ends. The sense of loss; the disorientation with our everyday worlds turned upside down; the dark moments and inconsolable sadness; later, slowly finding our footing; rebirth and renewal; a journey of hope and our beginning again; unexpected moments of grace experienced; all are part of a lived life. Below we list links to resources we have found helpful in finding one’s way.

The Spring of Love

I can imagine my own father writing these poems. The 19 poems found here are journal like. Based on a lived life. Not abstractions. They document moments in a young girl's life (his granddaughter) and an old man, a well-respected Philosophy Professor, and his reflections, his memories, his living with loss. Poems that speak to the hard reality of her terminal illness faced squarely, and, importantly, luminous moments lived that were grace filled. Timeless photos. Glimpses of eternity and a day seen here. There are also 7 remarkable family photos in this book. Glimpses of pure love found in these poems. 

 

Life is a Gift

“Pay attention to silence and just keep going straight ahead”. We know life is a gift. We know grace is everywhere. We act on hopes each day. 

  • Light a Candle

    This simple practice done in silence is an excellent way to begin the day and to honor the memory of another.

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  • Wake Up Grateful

    This book is about developing a grateful heart. It is about taking nothing for granted, about poignancy, about seeing, about right attention, about endings and beginnings. It is full of helpful exercises. See pp. 213-216 about “grateful remembrance”.

  • Lessons of Loss: A Guide to Coping

    This book is a practical and down to earth guide to coping written by a clinical psychologist at the University of Memphis. Robert Niemeyer understands this terrain as a therapist. His many books on grief therapy represent best current thinking.

  • How We Grieve: Relearning the World

    This book takes us inside the grieving process with an emphasis on meaning making. Thomas Attig is a philosopher by training. A book relevant to all of us. Accessible. Not academic. Full of insights and practical wisdom.