For those of you who have been following along with this column over the last four years, I wish to offer you the biggest thank you for your ongoing support.  Being able to write about things that can perhaps shed light or provide hope for those who are grieving has been an absolute blessing for me.  And for those who are just joining us, I would be remiss if I didn’t say “Welcome.”  Again, I know that no one is particularly excited about reading this subject matter, and yet, it is something we must all face at some time in our lives, and some, more than others. 

With that said, I wanted to invite you to an upcoming event that will be held at the Auburn Public Library on Wednesday, June 27th from 5:30-6:30.  It is the release of my second book, “Grief Talks 2:  If not now, when? Additional Thoughts on Life, Death and Positive Healing.”   This is the second collection of columns from the past two years that examine different aspects of the grief journey and is sure to educate, inspire and promote healing.  The open invitation to join us for that hour lies in the actual title of the book itself, “If not now, When?”  Simply stated, we are just not talking about this subject enough; we are not preparing ourselves and our loved ones; and in essence, we need to be holding more conversations.

At the event, yes, there will be books available for purchase, but most importantly, we will be able to come together and start discussions that are certain to be eye opening and filled with the motivation needed to begin our healing journey-together.  For the simple sacrifice of just an hour of your time, you may discover something that awakens your heart or gives you the validation you have been needing or searching for during your time of grieving.  Remember that grief starts at the time of diagnosis for most people, and yes, there are several columns that address pre-bereavement and care giving as well.  Being able to write about the things that are so intimate and painful is a blessing that is bestowed upon me by the many who have shared their experiences over the years, and so my greatest wish is to give that gift back to others.

Perhaps you have recognized yourself in what you have read, or one particular column spoke to you that served as an awakening moment in your bereavement.  That is a common theme I have heard from many over the years, receiving calls or emails from individuals who swear that I am writing about them and yet we have never met.  Again, that is why I am so focused on the need to have conversations- to come together and share in the pain that envelops us all and work cohesively to chip away at the loss we are facing.  Please consider joining us next week and become a part of a community that is working on healing together.  All I ask is that you take a moment to introduce yourself and let me know how you are doing as that would give this writer the greatest blessing- hope to see you there.