Life After Loss: A Practical Guide To Renewing Your Life After Experiencing Major Loss (4th Edition)

"A dear friend gave "Life After Loss" to me after my wife of 32 years died from cancer in 2004. This book was one of a number of books that I received, but is the only book that I continue to use and reorder. I have lost track of how many copies I have given away.

The book offers practical advice and endorsed my feelings and allowed me to find a path to regain some balance (and laughter) in my life. It also helped me understand that grief is a difficult, non-linear journey, and is unique for each individual. I also learned that my loss is not the only type of profound loss and that there is a clear difference between sudden loss and slow loss. And that all happy couples should come to understand and accept that widowhood is almost certain for all strong marriages and partnerships."
~ Written on 2008-07-31

"This book was recommended to me by a co-worker, so I could learn to live with the idea of an unforeseen divorce hitting me like a speeding freight train. My life took a turn I NEVER saw coming and totally threw me into a deep depression and one of dispair. When the book arrived, I jumped into reading it immediately, so I could find help for my raw emotions, and try to get myself out of my very low funk. Although death is a greater challenge, divorce can be equally challenging when you don't have the opportunity to work things out with your spouse. The book provided a wonderful "support system" for me, as it reminded me that I was NOT alone in my feelings and how much the loneliness hurts - every day. Yes, you truly cannot see that things will get better when you are in the moment. People can tell you that, but until you experience it for yourself, you cannot believe you will get there. I do recommend this book for people who are experiencing a drastic change in their lives - whether a death of a loved one, divorce, moving or job change. It can provide you some semblance of strength to help you move forward!!! And when your emotions are so very raw, strength is certainly a good choice to help you on your journey. "
~ Written on 2008-04-18

"Our culture tries to ignore this normal and important aspect of life, but this author offers some excellent and practical ways to navigate the uncharted waters of life after loss. Everyone who reads this book will benefit."
~ Written on 2008-02-13

"Next to the Dr Kubler-Ross book ON GRIEF AND GRIEVING, this has been the most helpful book I have read on the subject of grieving from a deep loss. The book gives the reader the permission to grieve that our larger society has often denied him. Emphasized over and over again is the theme that: "Going through the experience is the only lasting and healthy way out of grief." The book advises those who grieve: "Never apologize for grieving. Remind yourself as often as needed that the very worst kind of loss is always yours" and to "Learn to acknowledge that your loss is worthy of grief." The griever can further admit to himself: "The loss I experienced is a major event in my life. Perhaps it is the worst thing that will ever happen to me. But is not the end of my life. I can still have a full and rewarding life. Grief has taught me much, and I will use it to be a better person than I was before my loss." In this way those who grieve can be left a sense of hope, not to be forever devastated. The book concludes with some valuable appendices on the role of nutrition in grief recovery, words that describe feelings and information on how one can form their own support group. Not only was it deeply comforting to read this book, (I lost my own father to aortic stenosis five months ago) but I also can see where it could be immensely useful for mental health professionals to use in their practice. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker employed by the Department of Defense for over twenty years most recently working with a number of those individuals who lost family members in Iraq. I can see suggesting they read this book themselves and it being of great comfort to them. I would strongly recommend this book to all who have suffered a significant loss in their life."
~ Written on 2008-01-10

"This book was given to me after my husband died. I could not believe what it was telling me as I made my way through my troubled time. The book provided a timeline for me, a way to look ahead or back to see if I was "on track" to my new "normal" life. It provided a pathway for me to follow. The book kept reassuring me along my path. I have given the book to many people, just to let them know that they are alright in what they are doing. I keep buying a copy for myself but the book keeps leaving me to "help" another person. I am so glad that my friend found this book for me. I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent book to help someone who is dealing with grief. It also lets you know that "you are not alone.""
~ Written on 2007-05-12