Grace and Grief

What do you say to someone who has just lost the love of their life? How do you act around them? How long do you try to comfort them? What if they seem to reject your attempts to console them? If you are the person who lost a loved one, how do you grieve and for how long? How do you handle those waves of depression? How do you relate to your children? Why can't your adult children and friends understand? Where do you go for help? How long does it take to travel this journey of grief? The author helps to answer these and other questions as she tells stories of her own journey and the journeys of others.

This book is short, practical, and can be read in any order according to the needs of the reader. The author begins by describing how she cared for her husband during his illness and gives helpful guideline for handling life for herself and her family...not wanting to think about his coming death but knowing she must be realistic. She tells of how her family and friends helped and sometimes hindered. Practical suggestions are given at the end of each chapter with the author, making sure that readers need not feel they must do everything at once or exactly like someone else has done. Although she puts strong emphasis on God's grace and His word, she makes it clear that professional help is sometimes needed.

Going places alone, making financial decisions, handling those special days, facing more difficulties, growing in confidence, and ministering to others are just a few of the topics addressed. The widow not only learns who she is but begins to grasp who God is as He strengthens and guides her with his mercy and grace. Paula wants readers to know that she truly grappled with when to write and which stories to tell. She often cried out to God for discernment, asking, "Am I being too vulnerable? Do I really want people to know some of these experiences?" She was reminded how others could receive help through a scripture or particular story. Readers will be thankful that she completed the book and find hope for their own journeys no matter the length or challenge.