I just finished reading Three Times a Mourner: Personal Essays on Grief and Healing by Fredericka R. Maister.
I had the pleasure of meeting this author on a panel for debut authors back in the spring. As a therapist, I was drawn to her writing about three very distinctive losses: one sudden and natural, one violent and premeditated, and one in old age but resulting from medical negligence.
I would definitely recommend this book to my clients and plan to add it to my bibliotherapy practice.
Some things that resonated with me were how the author has also had a lifelong battle with anxiety and panic attacks, grew up poor (and experienced the shame that comes with it), benefited from therapy in adulthood after not being denied access as a child, experiencing insomnia plagued by rumination, navigating feelings of abandonment, and so much more!
I could also relate with experiences of how law enforcement lacks basic empathy and common sense when people are having the worst day of their life.
“Closure Is a Myth Attaining closure in the bereavement of a loved one is an overrated aspiration. There is no final destination in the grief journey or neat resolution of the emotional issues that can last a lifetime. When grief is especially complicated and prolonged, you never “get over” the physical absence of a loved one from your life.”
You can find the book here.
Peace,
Johnzelle
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