Resources galore

I am finding many resources that help in this grieving process.  I'm going to discuss some of them in case anybody out there would find them useful, whether their loss is distant or recent.

First, even without mourning, a day starts lots better with a devotional.  My very favorite, and I have been through many, is titled "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.  This is available at Christian Book Distributors and Amazon, I believe.  She has a way of cutting right to your weaknesses and offering such terrific counsel.

Several quotes have "grabbed me" lately - something like when you break a leg and find many other people with the same thing:

From Mother Teresa - "I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."

From Tom Clancy, of all people, the great fiction writer:  "Without Remorse (title). And if I go while you're still here.. know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure - behind a veil you cannot see through.  You will not see me, so you must have faith.  I wait for a time when we can soar together again - both aware of each other.  Until then, live your life to it's fullest.  And when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart... I will be there."  Isn't that beautiful?

I read one chapter each morning in the book by Marta Felber called "Finding Your Way after Your Spouse Dies."  This lady knows of whence she speaks.  I love that she never suggests that you "buck up, old girl" but rather, offers such practical things to do to help.

"Tear Soup" by Schwiebert and DeKlyen is a marvelous book, too.  Hidden in the almost child-like narrative are gems of wisdom to tuck away in your mind, and pull out when you need them.  The illustrations are superb.

I just finished a novel by Ann Hood, a favorite author of mine, called "The Obituary Writer."  As one of the two main characters works with grieving people,  in the early 1900's, she makes many observations about mourning.  As she struggled with her own loss, she "began to speak the language of grief.  She understood that grief is not neat and orderly; it does not follow any rules.  Time does not heal it.  Rather, time insists on passing, and as it does, grief changes but does not go away."  I found this very, very insightful.

So, if any of you want publishers or more information, please feel free to call me at 406-853-0376.  We are all in this old life together, and isn't that a good thing?  Remember to keep looking up.