Grief Resources
"A Grief Observed"- C.S. Lewis
In April 1956, C.S. Lewis, a confirmed bachelor, married Joy Davidman, an American poet with two small children. After four brief, intensely happy years, Lewis found himself alone again, and inconsolable. To defend himself against the loss of belief in God, Lewis wrote this journal, an eloquent statement of rediscovered faith. In it he freely confesses his doubts, his rage, and his awareness of human frailty. In it he finds again the way back to life. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"After the Darkest Hour" by Kathleen A. Brehony, PH.D.
This inspiring guide to coping with the loss of a child combines the author's own story with the experiences and wisdom of others who have gone through this tragedy.
"Deeper Still: For those who Grieve"- Paul Ginsburg
Is there aything to gain from loss? Deeper Still is about people who have drunk deeply from the cup of suffering. One of them being God himself.
"Grace for Grief-Daily Comfort for those who Mourn"- Michael and Brenda Pink
This book contains 365 Bible passages from GOD'S WORD with heartfelt, "prayer-like" responses that express the anguish of the soul and cry of a grieving person during their first year of loss.
"Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman
For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, here are strength and thoughtful words to inspire and comfort.
"If I Could Mend your Heart"- Mary I. Farr
Filled with words of comfort and compassion to help ease the pain of grief and loss, this book opens the heart to healing. Soft to the touch and warming to the soul, it offers inspiration to those who need it most.
"Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs"- Tomie DePaola
This autobiographical picture book was one of the first to introduce very young children to the concept of death. Given its graceful treatment of a difficult subject, it has been a parental staple ever since, and a new generations of readers will be glad to discover this timeless tale in a lovely new edition.
"Seasons of Grief and Healing- A Guide for Those Who Mourn"-James E. Miller
Drawn from Jim Miller's best-selling Winter Grief, Summer Grace, this book includes the helpful features of the original-a compassionate exploration of feelings; inspiring passages from the Bible, poetry and great literature; and simple renewal activities that help readers move through stages, or "seasons," of grief at their own pace and in their own unique way.
When T.J. Wray lost her 43-year-old brother, her grief was deep and enduring and, she soon discovered, not fully acknowledged. Despite the longevity of adult sibling relationships, surviving siblings are often made to feel as if their grief is somehow unwarranted. After all, when an adult sibling dies, he or she often leaves behind parents, a spouse, and even children—all of whom suffer a more socially recognized type of loss.
Based on the author's own experiences, as well as those of many others, Surviving the Death of a Sibling helps adults who have lost a brother or sister to realize that they are not alone in their struggle. Just as important, it teaches them to understand the unique stages of their grieving process, offering practical and prescriptive advice for dealing with each stage.
"Tear Soup- a Recipe for Healing after Loss"- Pat Schweibert
If you are going to buy only one book on grief, this is the one to get! It will validate your grief experience, and you can share it with your children. You can leave it on the coffee table so others will pick it up, read it, and then better appreciate your grieving time. Grand's Cooking Tips section at the back of the book is rich with wisdom and concrete recommendations. Better than a casserole! Hardbound; 56 full-color pages. Affirms the bereaved. Educates the un-bereaved. A building-block for children..... WINNER! of the 2001 Theologos Book Award, presented by the Association of Theological Booksellers.
"The Faithful Gardener"- Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PH.D.
Told with graceful simplicity, deep feeling, generous humor, and profound optimism, The Faithful Gardener is, at its captivating core, the story of an open-hearted child who listened well to her old-country elders and who grew up to remember, to bear witness, and, as one of the premier storytellers of our times, to remind readers and listeners of all ages of "that magisterial life force within all things that strengthens us in times of turmoil or transition, that faithful force which can never die."
"The Lord is my Shepherd- A Psalm for Grieving"- Victor M. Parachin
"The Tenth Good Thing about Barney"- Judith Viorst
My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them....
But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.
"Winter Grief, Summer Grace"- James. E. Miller
James Miller has written this book for those who are in the passage of grief. It is replete with poetry, reflection, and color photographs of nature scenes that communicate peace and quiet assurance. The promise is that God walks alongside the stricken.
Local Support Groups
Grief Education and Support Series
The Downtown Coalition for Grief Support, comprised of downtown faith communities, sponsors this series. Each meeting includes an educational presentation or a personal story of grief and recovery, and small group discussions.
Saturdays 9:30-11:30 at First Christian Church 2201 First Ave. South
Adult Grief Support Group
Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5024 Knox Avenue South- call 612-927-7335 for more details
Bereavement Support Groups
Children's Hopsitals and Clinics of Minnesota- Minneapolis (2525 Chicago Ave South) and St. Paul (345 North Smith) campuses
Transforming Grief into Growth
Join us for a five week series offering individuals and families information, insights, understanding and support through the grief process. Various topics will be discussed ranging from; what is the grief process, our emotions, communication, healthy ways of taking care of us as well as goal setting & rebuilding our lives. It is important that you attend all of the sessions. Please allow yourself 4 weeks after a death before attending this group. -Call 612-724-3621 for next series
Grief Education and Support Series- Minnehaha-Nokomis Area Coalition of Churches
Mondays 5-6:30pm quarterly for 6 to 8 weeks. Call 612-724-3691 for next series.
The Grief Journey
HealthPartners Hospice of the Lakes & Palliative Care Adult Grief Education and Support Program. Three times through the calendar year this 6-week bereavement support group is offered at various locations around the Twin Cities Metro Area. Call 952-883-6967 for next class.
Grief Education and Support Series- The South Minneapolis Coalition of Churches
Thursdays 6:30pm at churchs in southern Minneapolis. Call 952-925-2437 for next meeting location.
Compassionate Friend
The mission of The Compasionate Friend is to assist families in the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age, and to provide information to help others be supportive. Meets the third Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Calvary Lutheran Church (7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley).
