When a Loved One Dies: A Journey Through the Octaves of Grief

by David Beeler

When my precious wife, Kay, died 30 years ago I took a leave of absence from my pastorate and went home to Greenback, Tennessee. About two weeks after Kay’s death, I went back to the little bridge where we were married in Maryville, Tennessee. I went there in a desperate attempt to try to figure out how I was going to find the will to go on living without her. I stood on the bridge and thought about our wedding day and all the good times we had shared during our seven years together. I also tried to figure out what I might have done differently, or better, that may have allowed me to save her (questions I’ve asked myself a million times and counting). Somewhere, in the midst all my musings, I thought about all the water that must have passed by there in the last seven years since we were married; literally, water under the bridge. It occurred to me that the creek was going to keep flowing to the distant sea, and life was going to go on, with or without me. That realization just mad me sadder and madder. I cussed, cried, and stomped across that little bridge into the nearby woods, and the folks who were walking on the trails in the park eyed me warily and hurried past. I can’t say I blame them. I must have looked like a lunatic. I stood there as the sun was setting, and came to the conclusion that I had two I could stand there in the woods and wallow in my pain and sadness till my time on earth was done (or someone called the cops), or I could walk across that little bridge and go back into the world with the purpose of trying to live my life in such a way that it would be a blessing to my sons, my loved ones, and everyone I would meet in the future. I walked across the bridge that night, and I’ve never stopped building and crossing bridges that I felt would lead me to a better tomorrow. Now I want to use my experiences, and the experiences of others I know, to inspire people around the world to build bridges of opportunity that will allow them to live lives that will lead to a better tomorrow for themselves and the ones they love. That’s the purpose of “The Building Bridges to Tomorrow Inspirational Series.” Each book will offer practical advice and tips on how to cope with the ups and downs of life related to a specific topic. The first book in the series is entitled, “When a Loved One A Journey Through the Octaves of Grief.” If you or a loved one is dealing with an impending or recent death this is a must-read. You will be inspired and comforted as we journey through the grieving process together.

116 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2016

About the author

David Beeler is an author and inspirational speaker from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

David is the author of “The Lazarus Journals: Wilderness”, which is book #1 in the “In the Beginning Series.” This series is categorized as Christian Fiction or historical fiction and follows the exploits of Lazarus, who is an intriguing composite of Robin Hood, Tarzan, the Lone Ranger and Captain America, with a whole lot of Forrest Gump thrown into the mix just for the fun of it.

The second book in this series is entitled, "The Lazarus Journals: Crucifixion." This installment follows the exploits of Lazarus and his cousin, Jesus as the temple elders and priests plot to have them arrested and crucified by the oppressive Romans, while the Zealots are working behind the scenes to crown Jesus the King of the Jews. As intrigue and danger mount, Lazarus must scramble to use his super-human powers to save those he loves while battling unknown enemies.

The underlying premise of 'The Lazarus Journals" books is that Lazarus, after being raised from the dead by his cousin, Jesus, is incapable of dying. He's been alive for 2000 years and he's kept a journal of his experiences. Now he's using his old journals as a guide to write an account of his life. This story begins with the day he's first raised from the dead and follows the life of Jesus during his last three weeks on earth. From there, the series will continue to follow the adventures of Lazarus as he journeys the world seeking to fight for the weak and innocent.

Soon another series will be released that picks up Lazarus's story in the present. So as things progress there will be an ongoing series set in the present and an ongoing series set in the past.

David is also the author of "When a Loved One Dies: A Journey Through the Octaves of Grief.” This is the first volume in “The Building Bridges to Tomorrow Inspirational Series" and David has high hopes it will be the first of many books that will inspire and inform people about how to live their lives in a way that will lead to a better tomorrow.

David says, "Every time I write or stand before an assembly my goal is to move my audience to feel deeply, to contemplate freely, and to live and love abundantly. I hope as you read my books the blessings I’ve received will be passed on to you."

“For to whom much has been given, much is expected in return. . .”

Reviews

[Joyce McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with simple, practical helps for those dealing with grief. The book is organized with “octaves” of grief that are steps we progress and regress through over time. The most helpful concepts for me were first, taking one day at a time and one step forward at a time, and second, planning how to help others through acts of kindness. Beeler’s advice works. Highly recommended for those dealing with loss.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than just one person's experience. So much more than just theory. This quick read is chock full of practical steps to take when the ground beneath your feet seems to have fallen away.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for everyone to read. We all will face death one day and this author gives great guidance as we go through the grieving process. I highly recommend this book as well as the author. He has several other books that I recommend. Check him out.