Books for those in mourning

If you’ve ever lost someone close to you, such as a spouse, a parent or a child, you know that the grieving never ends. It changes over time, but the pain of the loss never completely goes away. I recently read two highly recommended books written to help people grieve the loss of a loved one.

Awaken to Good Mourning, Second Edition
Mark E. Hundley, M.Ed., LPC

When author Mark Hundley’s wife died suddenly as the result of an automobile accident, he became a widower with a seven-year-old daughter. Through this devastation, Mark found that while we never cease to mourn a loved one, we can experience a process of “good mourning,” where grief can become a healthy, positive, and healing experience. Through the lens of his own tragedy, Mark walks readers through the challenges they will face during the three phases of grief. Mark is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has made it his life’s mission to support people in the grieving process through his writing, presentations, and non-profit agency, the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center in Plano, Texas. Awaken to Good Mourning, Second Edition is essential and sanity-saving reading for anyone in grief. You can purchase it at http://awakenassociates.net/publications.html.

Snapshots in Memory of Ben
Alan D. Busch

Alan Busch experienced what no parent should have to go through -- the loss of his first-born son Ben at the age of 22. Although Ben had some serious health issues with diabetes and epilepsy, it was a truck that ended his life as he was riding his bicycle. This book is the story of Ben’s life through his father’s eyes -- their family’s struggles, the joy that Ben brought to their lives, and the Jewish faith that sustained Alan when he thought he’d never survive the loss of his beloved son. He addresses questions such as, “How do I respond when people ask me how many children I have?” And, “Could I have done things differently as a parent?” He also offers advice for those who know someone in mourning: “Hug more and speak less.” Those who have lost a child or other family member will be able to relate to the author’s feelings and experiences as he struggles to come to terms with his son’s death. Even if you haven’t lost someone dear, this book provides valuable insight into the hearts of those who have.