In his counseling work, Harold Ivan Smith has heard all the questions - even the most obscure, personal, and difficult ones - that occur to grievers as they process their loss. Here, he compiles more than 150 common questions, explores the emotions behind them, and provides clear and forthright responses. Whether readers find the answers they seek, new perspectives to ponder, or comfort from knowing that others ask similar questions, this valuable resource will guide individuals who are in the midst of grief and those who wish to provide comfort.
Harold Ivan Smith is the author of many books including On Grieving the Death of a Father, Grieving the Death of a Friend, Singles Ask and I Wish Someone Understood My Divorce. A former funeral director, he is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and leader of seminars on grief and spirituality. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
Introduction Questions about the Duration of Grief Questions about Asking Why Questions about Remembering Questions about Regrets Questions about Causation Questions about God Questions about Grief and Spirituality Questions about Forgiveness Questions about Eternal Life, Heaven, and Hell Questions about Grief and Communication Questions about the Death of a Parent Questions about the Death of a Child Questions about Children and Grief Questions about Suicide Questions about the Death of a Pet Questions about Grief and Sexuality Questions about Funeral Rituals and Customs Questions about Cremation Questions about Memorialization Questions about Wills and Estates Questions about Support Questions about Responsibility for Griever Care Questions about Grief in the Workplace Questions about Holidays and Special Days Questions about Finding Help Conclusion Appendix A: Grief Resources Appendix B: Prayer Resources Notes
"Don't be fooled by the format of this written treasure for the bereaved. It is a book that speaks from the heart of a gifted author and caregiver to the bereaved who seek to work through the pain of the loss they now experience. The questions and answers provide starting points...and cover a wide range of issues. Buy the book...and distribute it generously. It will bless many in new and healing ways." -- The Rev. Richard B. Gilbert, BCC, CT, phD, Director, The World Pastoral Care Center and Director of Chaplaincy Services, author of Finding Your Way after Your Parent Dies: Hope for Adults "Absolutely terrific! All the right questions. Better still, truly wise answers." -- Megory Anderson, author of Sacred Drying: Creating Rituals for Embracing the End of Life
