This book is was written for those suffering a profound loss or trying to support someone in that devastating situation. This is written as a practical tool for all of those who are silently suffering and aren’t familiar with the grip which grief has over them. It specifically outlines the author’s personal journey when she abruptly lost her 29-year-old son. It is intended to present what might occur or what to expect so that the reader can become more aware and accepting. Some ideas presented are natural, others might be unique.
Grief is given a perspective. AFTER is a candid look at the emotions, regrets and the stumbling through the days ahead. It presents the raw thoughts and uncertainties which may lie deep in the individual but never spoken. During the grief process, it was difficult to know if the feelings felt were “normal”. The book will hopefully answer that lingering question. It was also difficult to find the right support systems needed while re-evaluating current relationships and situations. What is healthy? What isn’t? The book is to simply provide a voice to the grief so that anyone affected can go through it a bit more successfully.
It provides an eyes wide open approach to the pain and sorrow felt. Eventually, while gaining personal strength, it will allow the reader to articulate the loss and find eventual joy and meaning. Yes, joy! While grieving is a deeply personal voyage laced with myriad emotions, the common ground is that the journey needs to be honored and felt. It’s true that no one experiences grief in the same way. Grief is intensely personal but by being self-aware and sensitive to the dynamics which may be at play, provides strength and resilience. Everyone will eventually lose someone in their lives, feel the pain and wrestle with the fluctuating emotions which arise. They feel grief because they loved. That gift is to be celebrated, revered, and forever honored. Yes, is true. Grief is the price you pay for loving. Embrace every moment.
It is the tribute to the one lost. The ones now gone have earned it!
Table of Contents
The Backstory
Our Son Jordan
The Most Painful Moment
Returning to the Unknown
Dealing with Regrets
Family Dynamics
Maneuvering to Survive
When the World is Uninterrupted
Dumb Things People Say
Redefining Family Relationships
Friendship Dynamics
To Hell and Back Transitional Stage Maturing and Self-Awareness
Pet Loss
The Firsts
Social Media
The New Normal
