Grieving loss is a big subject.
This book’s stories are focused on grieving losses from the death of humans and pets. There is a myriad of losses such as loss of:
a job
dreams
aging
relationships
and many more
What Kathleen Flynn shares here can be applied toward many types of loss.
As a chaplain, minister, and grief counselor, Flynn chooses to focus on death, as it seems to be that loss, perhaps the finality of it, paralyzes us from taking action to mediate our grief. It is the finality of death, often with related trauma and with suddenness, that can immobilize us. All losses have contributed to the author’s understanding of the essentials of grief.
From the author:
“Being with the dying and those challenged to overcome death is my depth in this field. I want to speak from there. I am inspired to speak about this subject for all who have lost a loved one, expected or unexpected, with the desire to walk beside you, awaken you to new thoughts and ideas about recovery from the devastation of your loss and resulting grief.
I also seek to speak to those who care for grievers:
ministers
pastors
priests
rabbis
shamans
first responders
chaplains
nurses
doctors
social workers
employers
associates
family members
friends
neighbors
Guiding and facilitating grief groups, officiating end-of-life gatherings, being a presence at bedside, beckon me to speak about grief: what it is, its essential purpose, and our response to it.
I know this subject well. It is my own story. Becoming accomplished at something means there have been mistakes. I share those too.
Buried grief hangs around like an unpaid bill—always wanting your attention and, instead, is shuffled to the bottom of the stack. It lingers there, with edges sticking out from under the weight of its covering, denied the bright light of day. Buried grief needs to surface and be addressed, lest it resurface when it is triggered by yet another loss, an event, or—worse yet—a projection onto someone else.
For buried or new grief, there is motivation among these pages to:
purposefully engage feelings
to understand and discover the benefits of various grief recovery or reconciliation methods.
find what fits your personal preferences, personality, and timidity with the idea that grieving is for you
Even the hardiest of us needs nurturing and holding when we lose what we love.
Let’s discover those resources for you.”
