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Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love: Daily Meditations to Help You Through the Grieving Process
Few losses are as painful as the death of someone close. No valley is as vast as grief, no journey as personal and life changing. Compassionate and wise guides Raymond Mitsch and Lynn Brookside shine a light on the road through grief. They can help you endure the anguish and uncertainty; understand the cycles of grief; sort through the emotions of anger, guilt, fear, and depression; and face the God who allowed you to lose the one you love. A series of thoughtful daily devotions, Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love shares wisdom, insight, and comfort that will help you through and beyond your grief.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
332 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 14, 2012
This is a series of daily devotions that help the reader understand the stages of grief, face the God who allowed the loss, and find comfort through and beyond that grief. Upon my query, a friend of mine recommended this book to me. All I can say is, "WOW!" This is a powerful and phenomenal resource that I found difficult to put down. I don't know that I've ever said this about a non-fiction book (other than the Bible), but this is a must-read, preferably before a major loss occurs as well as after. I would imagine many would be too upset to truly focus on reading and reflection after a significant loss, so I think it's a great preparation tool. It also helped me as a friend of those who are mourning to better understand their grieving process - in part at least - as well as to have a better idea of how to attempt to support them in their loss. And, although it appears to be written with the Christian reader in mind, even those who haven't yet found Christ as their Savior would likely benefit from it. I also think that many aspects of this book can apply to losses in general - not simply the death of a loved one. Although thankfully I have not recently endured a major loss, sadly, a few friends of mine have. I'll be recommending this book to many in the future and keeping a copy in my own personal library.
March 11, 2022
I got this book as a gift from someone in my church family when my mom passed in December. I have read it everyday since and it has helped me tremendously. On days when I'm feeling crazy and that noone understands what I'm going through, these daily meditations have made me feel normal and understood going through the grief process. I will reread this over and over. I will give copies of others going through the grief process as well. Thank you to Raymond and Lynn for this wonderful support tool.
June 18, 2019
This grief book is psychologically on-point, but will probably only be best for Christians of a certain theological perspective.
The authors are refreshingly clear on issues that are difficult in our society surrounding grief. They emphasize that grief is normal and not a spiritual failing while addressing important issues like depression and suicidal thoughts without judgment.
I felt the book was weaker, though, in that like many grief books, it clings to the Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief, a model which was originally designed to be applied to a person suffering from their own terminal diagnosis, not from the death of a loved one. While the book acknowledges that ignoring pain is not healthy, it still fails to resist making "acceptance" the end goal, when acceptance is going to look different for different people. At least the authors don't put a timeline on this acceptance.
The first author was also pretty old school when talking about his co-author in the introduction, saying that she brought a much-needed "feminine touch" to the project. I wasn't sure what that referred to in the book, although if it was talking about the inclusion of baby loss as a topic, I did appreciate that.
Finally, the authors make it pretty clear what their theological stance is on death--that if you are a Christian, you can face death with the hope of Heaven afterward, implying that if you aren't a Christian, you have no hope.
If you're not a Christian, or if you are a Christian like me who is less set on a literal interpretation of this, you will probably find this irksome.
There were some contradictory beliefs reflected in the book, too, like that all things that happen, good and bad, are part of "God's plan," but that the co-author felt "Satan" had taken her baby away. I think they must understand the idea of "God's plan" differently than I do.
Those things aside, I think this could be a very valuable book for some Christians, especially those who have been raised not to deal well with negative experiences like suffering and grief--blaming God or themselves, stuffing their emotions, etc. The authors are a psychology Ph.D and a counselor respectively, people well-qualified to deal with the topic.
The authors are refreshingly clear on issues that are difficult in our society surrounding grief. They emphasize that grief is normal and not a spiritual failing while addressing important issues like depression and suicidal thoughts without judgment.
I felt the book was weaker, though, in that like many grief books, it clings to the Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief, a model which was originally designed to be applied to a person suffering from their own terminal diagnosis, not from the death of a loved one. While the book acknowledges that ignoring pain is not healthy, it still fails to resist making "acceptance" the end goal, when acceptance is going to look different for different people. At least the authors don't put a timeline on this acceptance.
The first author was also pretty old school when talking about his co-author in the introduction, saying that she brought a much-needed "feminine touch" to the project. I wasn't sure what that referred to in the book, although if it was talking about the inclusion of baby loss as a topic, I did appreciate that.
Finally, the authors make it pretty clear what their theological stance is on death--that if you are a Christian, you can face death with the hope of Heaven afterward, implying that if you aren't a Christian, you have no hope.
If you're not a Christian, or if you are a Christian like me who is less set on a literal interpretation of this, you will probably find this irksome.
There were some contradictory beliefs reflected in the book, too, like that all things that happen, good and bad, are part of "God's plan," but that the co-author felt "Satan" had taken her baby away. I think they must understand the idea of "God's plan" differently than I do.
Those things aside, I think this could be a very valuable book for some Christians, especially those who have been raised not to deal well with negative experiences like suffering and grief--blaming God or themselves, stuffing their emotions, etc. The authors are a psychology Ph.D and a counselor respectively, people well-qualified to deal with the topic.
June 16, 2022
Thank you
I lost my son at the age of 26 in a car accident. This book gave words to the feelings I felt. It provided comfort and reminded me of God’s love and an awareness of His constant presence and desire to be close to me and to heal my brokenness. It has been a powerful source of hope and encouragement. I trust Him to bring a purpose out of my deep loss and I look forward to seeing my son in eternity and to never be separated from him again. Thank you so very much for your powerful words of truth, scripture references and writing so simply that a hurting heart and mind could comprehend.
I lost my son at the age of 26 in a car accident. This book gave words to the feelings I felt. It provided comfort and reminded me of God’s love and an awareness of His constant presence and desire to be close to me and to heal my brokenness. It has been a powerful source of hope and encouragement. I trust Him to bring a purpose out of my deep loss and I look forward to seeing my son in eternity and to never be separated from him again. Thank you so very much for your powerful words of truth, scripture references and writing so simply that a hurting heart and mind could comprehend.
March 30, 2022
Excellent little book, some of the things in here I already Know or quite simply are common sense such as giving yourself time to grieve and there's no proper way to do it either, examples given in book including those experienced by the authors/professionals what I like is the scripture in the book as well, as A Catholic I appreciate it and I understand suffering. there are many chapters all of them pretty short yet beautiful and sad but hopefully should help you. It is easier said than done and sometimes hard to put into practice just don't rush, I highly recommend this little gem.
May 25, 2018
Once is not enough
The second time through had much more meaning to me. You can start at any chapter and have it be meaningful. I am sure that every time a read it I will benefit depending where I am in the grief process. I can be happy and sad all at the same time. Happy because my beloved wife is at peace with The Lord, and I'll be with her again someday and so sad because I'm lonely and miss her so much.
The second time through had much more meaning to me. You can start at any chapter and have it be meaningful. I am sure that every time a read it I will benefit depending where I am in the grief process. I can be happy and sad all at the same time. Happy because my beloved wife is at peace with The Lord, and I'll be with her again someday and so sad because I'm lonely and miss her so much.
October 28, 2021
The writing expressions in the chapters of the book seem to reflect how I feel. I lost my beloved wife, she was battling breast cancer for almost 10 years and in the late stages it has spread to the peritoneal. It is not easy to see our loved ones suffer from therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and this disease practically taking over her body. I have lost not only a wife, but also a friend, a business partner, a work team partner. We once prayed daily together for a miracle healing. But God didn't seem to hear our prayers. I once felt angry, annoyed with God, where had He been all this time when I asked for a miracle. One of the bereavement books that made me feel guided, and more aware of the direction of my grief. For those who are grieving, this book is a must read.
September 10, 2021
Acceptance of losing someone you love very much is something that takes time. But the best message in the book is knowing that he is well and whole again and still lives. I will be with him again one day soon in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is there with Jesus praising God and hopefully playing baseball.
October 30, 2022
I read one of each of the very short sections of this book each day. Two I marked as especially helpful: the one about the loss of not only a loved one, but of the hopes and dreams for the future, and how we need to live in the present and lean on God’s Word, and the one about how dealing with our loss time and again is actually a testimony to love.
April 8, 2024
Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love
For someone who experienced death recently of their love ones and battling through the scars of loss. This book put a lot of different scenarios that can be applied on how to deal with such situations. I found encouragment while reading the pages as I found validations of my emotions. This book is a must read!
For someone who experienced death recently of their love ones and battling through the scars of loss. This book put a lot of different scenarios that can be applied on how to deal with such situations. I found encouragment while reading the pages as I found validations of my emotions. This book is a must read!
July 5, 2025
I was gifted this book after the passing of my mom and it’s taken me two years to finally finish it. I really didn’t enjoy the heavy religious influence in it. It’s just not for me at all. But it had some really practical and helpful tools so that’s where the 2 stars come from. I am glad that I can hang this one back on the bookshelf.
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March 7, 2022A great help to me ...
...in the loss of my wife. So many facets of grieving I had never before considered. The authors do not try to smooth things over, but help the reader come to grips with reality. Thank you for writing this!
...in the loss of my wife. So many facets of grieving I had never before considered. The authors do not try to smooth things over, but help the reader come to grips with reality. Thank you for writing this!
November 27, 2022
Wonderful
I learned so much. My wife passed away recently. Grief probably one of the worst emotional pains I am going through. I needed to read this book. I am a Christian, I have hope
I learned so much. My wife passed away recently. Grief probably one of the worst emotional pains I am going through. I needed to read this book. I am a Christian, I have hope
February 26, 2024
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who has suffered significant loss and is navigating the long and unknown road of grief. It was filled with many reassurances, challenges, and encouragements. The authors felt like friends and companions in what can be a lonely and confusing journey.
January 10, 2020
This book gave me hope on a daily basis as I struggled with the death of my mother. Short daily messages that were perfect at a time when I could barely function.
July 6, 2022
Insightful
More of religious philosophy than I anticipated. I was hopeful for a blend of insight and real life examp!es, I did not see a consistent flow
More of religious philosophy than I anticipated. I was hopeful for a blend of insight and real life examp!es, I did not see a consistent flow
December 11, 2008
I have decided to send a copy of this to my friend who lost her husband suddenly in a train wreck in Los Angeles last September. I think the authors, both of whom suffered their own losses, understand the intensity of grief. Thus these short meditations come from those who have lived through their own grief and they do not offer pat answers or encourage false cheer. Rather, they offer brief quotes, sometimes from the authors themselves that relate to death or grief, and these are followed by a few short paragraphs that relate to a stage of grief or encourage grief work. They help those who think they are going crazy to realize their feelings and memory lapses are normal occurrences among those who are grieving. They deal with the "Why?" question, the anger, the denial, and all the other emotions one feels after losing a loved one.
Having sustained four major loses myself -- my teen-aged son in 1991, a best friend in 2003, a mother-in-law in 2004, and my own mother in 2005, I think I'm in a position to know how a loss might feel in each of these situations. This is a book I wished I'd had in 1991 -- my first great loss. I'm keeping it, because I never know when it might come in handy again. I'm glad it's still in print so I could get a new copy for my friend, and still have a copy on hand.
Having sustained four major loses myself -- my teen-aged son in 1991, a best friend in 2003, a mother-in-law in 2004, and my own mother in 2005, I think I'm in a position to know how a loss might feel in each of these situations. This is a book I wished I'd had in 1991 -- my first great loss. I'm keeping it, because I never know when it might come in handy again. I'm glad it's still in print so I could get a new copy for my friend, and still have a copy on hand.
July 16, 2015
I bought this book after my mom passed away. It is absolutely a book that is heavily rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. His word and love is delivered in the way my heart knows and understands Him, and that was so comforting and healing.
Not only was this book helpful to me, I will absolutely read it again, with a highlighter in hand. This is because it is also a perfect blueprint for those seeking the right words, and advice on "How to help those you love through the loss of a loved one."
I am so grateful to have come across this book, it was 100% put in my path right at the time I needed to read it.
This book will be one of the Chosen that stay in my "keep forever" collection.
Not only was this book helpful to me, I will absolutely read it again, with a highlighter in hand. This is because it is also a perfect blueprint for those seeking the right words, and advice on "How to help those you love through the loss of a loved one."
I am so grateful to have come across this book, it was 100% put in my path right at the time I needed to read it.
This book will be one of the Chosen that stay in my "keep forever" collection.
March 30, 2022
I own the book a physical copy, Excellent little book, some of the things in here I already Know or quite simply are common sense such as giving yourself time to grieve and there's no proper way to do it either, examples given in book including those experienced by the authors/professionals what I like is the scripture in the book as well, as A Catholic I appreciate it and I understand suffering. there are many chapters all of them pretty short yet beautiful and sad but hopefully should help you. It is easier said than done and sometimes hard to put into practice just don't rush, I highly recommend this little gem.
March 30, 2022
Excellent little book, some of the things in here I already Know or quite simply are common sense such as giving yourself time to grieve and there's no proper way to do it either, examples given in book including those experienced by the authors/professionals what I like is the scripture in the book as well, as A Catholic I appreciate it and I understand suffering. there are many chapters all of them pretty short yet beautiful and sad but hopefully should help you. It is easier said than done and sometimes hard to put into practice just don't rush, I highly recommend this little gem.
Read
March 30, 2022Excellent little book, some of the things in here I already Know or quite simply are common sense such as giving yourself time to grieve and there's no proper way to do it either, examples given in book including those experienced by the authors/professionals what I like is the scripture in the book as well, as A Catholic I appreciate it and I understand suffering. there are many chapters all of them pretty short yet beautiful and sad but hopefully should help you. It is easier said than done and sometimes hard to put into practice just don't rush, I highly recommend this little gem.
August 28, 2010
This is a book full of quotes and stories to help answer some of the questions left after a loved ones dies. Daily meditations to help someone get past the grief and "why mes?" of loss.
A great guidebook for a friend who has lost someone.
A great guidebook for a friend who has lost someone.
April 23, 2016
This book was given to me by my cousin when we knew my mom was going to leave this earth. The short devotional style format is perfect for people who are grieving. Passages from the Bible and personal anecdotes are comforting to one who is suffering. I highly recommend it.
July 24, 2011
This book is really helpful, especially in the first few weeks and months of loss. It is broken down into short readings over the course of 30 days. I have given quite a few copies of these away.
July 19, 2013
Great to give to other who have lost someone special.
July 6, 2015
I highly recommend this little book with great wisdom to anyone going though the loss of someone they love. I just started it over.
July 13, 2016
Excellent book when dealing with loss. I lost my husband this book helped with my feelings and helped me feel better.
November 16, 2016
very good advice on the grieving process. i'm 9 years out and still in the process.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews