A Gift of Hope How We Survive Our Tragedies [Paperback]

Tragedy is a part of life, it is a part of the human mystery which we all must face. A Gift of Hope is a moving, beautifully written book that will give you the understanding and the self-assurance to overcome the anger and the loneliness, the suffering and the pain of your own personal travail: the loss of a loved one, the heartbreak of a handicapped child, a debilitating illness, an unwanted divorce, a severe financial setback. Here is a practical and inspirational guide to help you express your sorrow and begin the process of healing -- to help you move from sadness to serenity, from fear to faith, and to find courage in your moment of crisis.
-- How to identify the stages of grief and recognize your need for help
-- How to soothe the initial panic and relieve the long-term anxiety
-- How to preserve your health, resist self-destructive impulses, and renew your sense of well-being
-- How to draw on family and friends for spiritual solace and emotional support
-- When to seek professional guidance, with a comprehensive list of national organizationsONE
 
Straight from the Heart
 
In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.
— ALBERT CAMUS
 
My friendship with Jim Spradley was relatively brief. But in the span of five years we became like trusted brothers. We would meet for breakfast and talk about work and new projects. We would share dreams and sometimes disappointments. Frequently we would plan weekend vacations for our families. We kept few secrets from one another. I would trust him with my life. And he would trust me with his.
 
But he died after a fifteen-month illness.
 
The day after the funeral I met my students at the University of Minnesota. I started to lecture but suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion. All the events of the past twenty-four hours flooded my mind. I couldn’t continue. I told the students what had happened.
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