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My Dad's Rose: One son's struggle with his father's tragic death
In October of 1975, Jeff Joutras was pulled out of his freshman religion class at Providence Catholic High School to hear the devastating his father had tragically died in an workplace explosion and fire at Union Oil's refinery, leaving his wife and seven children behind.Jeff's moving account tells how the grief of the loss followed him for decades, through his career and through his own journey as a father of five, the loss ultimately manifesting in a depression that he hid for years. After dwelling on the loss, Jeff overcame his fear and pride and finally reached out for help. In the process, he found a new perspective on life, death, and living on this side of eternity. My Dad's Rose will resonate with anyone who has struggled with the loss of a loved one. Through his personal recounting, practical advice on dealing with dark thoughts, and confronting the mysteries and metaphors of faith, Jeff shows how our greatest hardships can make us stronger.
About the Jeff Joutras grew up in Joliet, Illinois, the sixth of seven children. Jeff now resides in Lodi, Wisconsin, where he enjoys spending time with his family, boating on the Wisconsin River and fishing for the elusive musky. He has been married to his wife Peggy for more than 30 years, and is the father of five adult children - Clare, John, Benjamin, Aimee and Christopher. Jeff is a certified coach, teacher and speaker with The John Maxwell Team, and enjoys helping others learn about leadership, communication and personal growth. He can be contacted at jeff@mydadsrose.com.
About the Jeff Joutras grew up in Joliet, Illinois, the sixth of seven children. Jeff now resides in Lodi, Wisconsin, where he enjoys spending time with his family, boating on the Wisconsin River and fishing for the elusive musky. He has been married to his wife Peggy for more than 30 years, and is the father of five adult children - Clare, John, Benjamin, Aimee and Christopher. Jeff is a certified coach, teacher and speaker with The John Maxwell Team, and enjoys helping others learn about leadership, communication and personal growth. He can be contacted at jeff@mydadsrose.com.
126 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 6, 2019
My Dad's Rose is a cathartic, graceful, and timeless story - Highly recommend reading and sharing it
Emotions and thoughts are deeply complicated and personal. It’s a struggle to know what to feel yourself or what to say to others who may be struggling in their own feelings and thoughts. This struggle is subtly broached by the story, questions, and messages in My Dad's Rose.
Jeff reflects on the bright memories of a loved one beforehand and the dark times afterward. Jeff weaves in resonating prose and the eulogy from his father's funeral, which contains an incredibly touching metaphor of death and how it is like a rose.
This story took me on the journey of the highs and lows that I have felt for loved ones that have passed. It made me reflect on my connections, memories and thoughts for them. It made me remember and cry because the love and pain will always be there for them. It made me smile. It made think. It made me feel comforted. And all the while, I felt like I was in some conversation or reflecting place.
It's a short and quick read. I like that because it doesn’t feel burdensome, and I think that’s thoughtful for others who will read it. It’s a beautiful book inside and out. I believe others will find it as comforting and empowering as I did.
For these reasons, I’m sharing My Dad's Rose with family and friends and I've started to give a copy of My Dad's Rose to people I know who have lost a loved one. I'll continue to do so because the story and even the gesture of sharing it is meaningful for people who may be struggling with grief or depression.
Emotions and thoughts are deeply complicated and personal. It’s a struggle to know what to feel yourself or what to say to others who may be struggling in their own feelings and thoughts. This struggle is subtly broached by the story, questions, and messages in My Dad's Rose.
Jeff reflects on the bright memories of a loved one beforehand and the dark times afterward. Jeff weaves in resonating prose and the eulogy from his father's funeral, which contains an incredibly touching metaphor of death and how it is like a rose.
This story took me on the journey of the highs and lows that I have felt for loved ones that have passed. It made me reflect on my connections, memories and thoughts for them. It made me remember and cry because the love and pain will always be there for them. It made me smile. It made think. It made me feel comforted. And all the while, I felt like I was in some conversation or reflecting place.
It's a short and quick read. I like that because it doesn’t feel burdensome, and I think that’s thoughtful for others who will read it. It’s a beautiful book inside and out. I believe others will find it as comforting and empowering as I did.
For these reasons, I’m sharing My Dad's Rose with family and friends and I've started to give a copy of My Dad's Rose to people I know who have lost a loved one. I'll continue to do so because the story and even the gesture of sharing it is meaningful for people who may be struggling with grief or depression.
December 2, 2021
Very open and honest book. Reinforces the idea that help is available and asking for it is a sign of strength not weakness.
A very open and honest book. The book does a great job in reinforcing the idea that help is available and asking for it is not a sign of weakness but one of strength.
A very open and honest book. The book does a great job in reinforcing the idea that help is available and asking for it is not a sign of weakness but one of strength.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews