Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

by H. Norman Wright

How to handle the painful journey through grief after a traumatic loss.

Everyone experiences the death of significant people in their lives. A certified trauma specialist, Dr. Norman Wright has written Grieving the Loss of a Loved One to help people handle a traumatic loss in their life and move forward through the painful journey of grief. Readers will learn that they are not alone in their experience of loss and grief. They will learn what to expect and how to manage grief thru topics like:

• The purpose of grief and what is appropriate in grieving
• Steps to take in moving through grief
• Discovering the stages of saying goodbye—moving on in life
• Preparing for death—anticipatory grief
• Handling sudden death and its aftermath
• How family members grieve—the disruption of family
• Helping a neighbor or friend who has experienced a death

Genres: Grief, Christian

222 pages, Hardcover

First published June 17, 2013

About the author

H. Norman Wright is a well-respected Christian counselor who has helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helps couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also reveals insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.hnormanwright.com

Reviews

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

H. Norman Wright has set himself apart through his willingness to seek the Lord's wisdom in counseling. His books are some of our favorites in use with counseling.

I wish this book had been around when we lost our baby. Within the covers of this book is Wright's unique and gentle way of exposing the truth and love of God even in the midst of terrible crisis, pain and suffering. The loss of a family member is devastating - and life altering. Too often the world tells us to move on and yet there is a part of us that struggles with this. Wright explores the stages of grieving as well as how the loss affects the person and family. He offers insight and wisdom on re-ordering your life - or as I say it - finding a new normal.

I also appreciate the fact that he shows that during this time families can grow closer together instead of falling apart. Grief all to often creates a chasm between couples - especially the loss of a child. Wright shows how this can be avoided by exposing the truth that God is with us and does not intend for us to walk through the dark valley alone.

This will be a book that is readily handed out to others and recommended reading. It helps those grieving to make the journey and not be overcome with despair.

Thanks to Regal for this review copy.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well organized book with a lot of incredibly useful tips. I liked that it was broken down according to types of loss (a parent, a sibling, a child, a spouse, a friend, a pet etc.) and that it even had a section on how to help someone else who is grieving.

My only problem with it is that even though I got a lot out of the religious references, a non religious person who could also use this type of book might miss it completely due to their ubiquity throughout.

They could be trimmed and the book would not lose its power - or hopefulness. So many people could use this when facing the worst loss in life. I understand that his faith has helped to make him whole but it is not the only point of this book by any means.