When Lynn Died: A Journey of Loss, Longing, and Resurrection

by Natasha Dongell

“The paramedics are pounding on his chest . . .”
Experiencing the sudden loss of her husband Lynn, Natasha writes with humility and grace about her journey through the dark night of the soul. God led her to make space for grief, to plunge East into the darkness, confront shame and longing, hoping for a new day.
When Lynn Died tells the powerful story of a young woman facing devastating grief yet, in her brokenness, receiving the touch of the Ultimate Healer. Natasha invites all who bear the burden of trauma to join her on her journey through the wilderness of longing toward the sunrise of resurrection.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Jenny Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from the East Coast of Canada, I have followed Natasha’s journey over the last 10 years through her blog and social media. She is such a talented writer, and is able to communicate beautifully through written word.
I haven’t lost a spouse, but have experienced the deep loss of my daughter. So while I can’t relate to what Natasha went through, I can relate to walking through grief and what that looks like.

Much of her book surrounded the grief process, and not as much of her story as I expected. For someone who has walked the road of deep grief, I think this worked well. I’m sure others may have liked more of the story, but for me as a reader this worked beautifully.
I loved the way the book was broken down into 4 sections-however sometimes I was a little confused on the timeline and it seemed some parts of her story didn’t go in the appropriate “sections”.

I felt like I wrote down about half the book in quotes.
Although I had some minor criticism’s I can’t give this book anything less than 5 stars.

“Herein lies one of the many tensions, accompanying catastrophic loss: I am dead and yet I go on living. I am not who I was, nor have I fully come into the person I am to be. I have not met this new me, nor can I comprehend her nature. Furthermore, an unknow stretch of time extends between this present moment and the realization of her. But, here I am, in today. How do I function in the space of grief in between the normal? How do I make it beyond death to life?”

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful reflective book on loss that deeply moved me and truly was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I appreciated her vulnerable words that connected to my own journey of grief in so many ways. I will reread this again with a highlighter and also share with others in hopes they will also be able to connect to her story of loss and the grief journey that looms on ahead as we are all affected with grief in the many forms it takes. Thank you Natasha and I hope to read more from you!

[Paul Shotsberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes us on an honest, vulnerable journey, as she travels from sudden and overwhelming loss into a wilderness of confusion, disconnection, and longing. Natasha sensitively walks us through her story of the months and years of grief she experienced as a young mother with two small children, searching for meaning in both her husband's death and her life. The hope of the story is that she doesn't stay in the wildnerness, but chooses to Plunge East, away from the setting sun, toward a new sunrise. If the book were only a recounting of her experience, it would be well-worth the read, but Natasha is also an ordained pastor with the theological chops to bring a deep biblical perspective to the subject of loss, grief, and recovery. She and her story are a gift. We may never find ourselves in the position of suddenly losing a spouse, but there are so many of us who know dear ones living Natasha's experience. She's learned the lessons for us, and it is up to us to use those lessons wisely.

[Bethany Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful and touching story! Well done, Natasha! May He truly bless this work and may it encourage others as it has me.