Now That Youve Gone Home: Courage and Comfort for Times of Grief

by Joyce Hutchison, Joyce Rupp

PBuilding on the success of May I Walk You Home? (50,000 copies sold since 1999), this collection of twenty-five stories of loss picks up where the first book left off, helping readers to navigate the bewildering landscape of grief once a loved one has died. Coauthors Joyce Hutchison and Joyce Rupp reflect on their own stories of loss, as well as those of others, and offer meditations to assist readers through some of the more difficult issues that come with the loss of a loved one, including remarriage and feelings of relief or regret. Bereavement ministers, grief counselors, and pastoral ministers will find this a meaningful resource in meeting the needs of those dealing with the loss of a loved one.brbrEndorsements#58; "No one speaks more clearly than Joyce Hutchison and Joyce Rupp about grief. They address hard questions in a gentle manner that brings hope and courage. Worth its weight in gold, this book shares a wealth of wisdom and comfort."brRev. Dr. Deborah L. PattersonbrExecutive DirectorbrDeaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, LLCbrInternational Parish Nurse Resource CenterbrbrBy combining story-telling with prayer and reflection, Joyce Hutchison and Joyce Rupp take us through the grieving process in both a unique and profound way. Now That You've Gone Home impacts the very soul of the reader because it is not only personal and real,but explores the depths of love one has for both the deceased and for the God who welcomes him(her) Home."brMauryeen O'Brien,O.P.brAuthor, Gentle KeepingbrIf you are looking for a book that authentically, gracefully and spiritually shares the stories of loss, the journey of grief, and God's compassionate healing touch, thisbook will exceed your expectations. A resource for grief support groups and the bereaved seeking a prayer-filled guide for their journey through grief. brLinda M Cherek, RN, MSW, LICSW, CTbrLicensed Therapist and Bereavement SpecialistbrWhite Beat Lake, Minnesota

Genres: Grief, Nonfiction

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now That You’ve Gone Home is a sweet, gentle book. It enfolds the grieving spirit like a warm comforter in a bright sunny room. I imagine myself reading it at a friend’s house who lives out in the country with floor-to-ceiling picture windows on both sides and a fire dancing before me. A white winter sky flecked with the bright color of birds flocking to the feeder. Snow drifted outside, yet I am cozy and snug, drinking a mug of something delicious, further soothed by the words of the kindest of spirit guides, Joyce Hutchison and Joyce Rupp.

Both authors have experienced profound tragedies in their own lives but it is from the anguish of their losses that their deep compassion blooms.

It is the book I wish I'd had when my brother died 19 years ago. It’s the book I will recommend to anyone now who loses someone dear. It begins with short chapters relating Joyce Hutchinson’s journey through the dark days after her husband’s death. Reading it brought out tenderness toward my own dear spouse I wish I practiced every minute of every day. It was a reminder of the brevity and preciousness of this life—ours and those we love.

After Joyce’s stories, the book moves on to a collection of other stories from parents, children, siblings, persons married and single, from all walks of life and how each dealt with the death of loved ones. There was every kind of death imaginable from old age to suicide to illness to horrible accident, as well as many different responses and coping methods on the part of those grieving. Each story chapter concluded with a meditation, prayer and affirmation for the day.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful and encouraging. At times, though, I was brought to tears. Missing my Dad this Christmas - our 1st without him- was different and hard for me. It helped that my brother and I flew our Mom out to be with our families for Christmas.
I had to take a step back from this book during the holidays so I could be present with my family.
When I took this book up again, I chose to read it last before going to sleep.
Now that I have completed reading this book, I would recommend that you take the prayers with a grain of salt. (Not all are addressed to the "Lord Jesus Christ".)
I would also recommend that this book be read by adults, or those who are ready to empathize with others who've gone through a death of a loved one.
My mindset after reading this book is that I am not going to allow myself to take my lived ones for granted. Even more so now, I want to leave a legacy to my own children and future generations of someone who loved her Lord, husband, children, family, and church family most...in that order! :)

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sisters at St. Placid Priory gave me this book. I am a Benedictine Oblate there, and have just lost my mother. I was an only child and the two of us were very close. She was my best friend. I found this book to be a tremendous source of comfort and hope. I am still being consumed by thoughts of the last ten days in the hospital. Each day I relive those days over and over, thinking of all that I should have done and said. I now see that I am not alone in feeling this way, and the intense pain won’t last forever.

[Lee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half of the book, in which Joyce Hutchison shares her story but opens it up to universal experience, is interesting. The second half of the book, in which individuals share their stories, is more insular. An aside: She mentions the Playhouse several times and the widows group SSENIPPAH, who can be seen in Playhouse donation listings.

[Anxious Bibliophile Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was some meditations and prayers that brought me comfort relating to the loss of my brother. This book widely though is more for people of a certain age who've lost a spouse/partner or a parent.

[Patti Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

25 Beautiful stories of Grief by others.

[Michael Garreffa` · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book for those in Grief.