Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child's Heart: Hope and Healing After Losing Your Parent

by Gary Roe

COMFORT. HOPE. HEALING.

This loss of a parent is painful.

The loss of a mother or father can be traumatic. Oblivious to our suffering, the world around us speeds on as if nothing happened. Stunned, shocked, sad, confused, and angry, we blink in disbelief. Our hearts are broken.

We've known them all our lives. How could they be gone?

We look for comfort. Our broken, grieving hearts need it to survive.

Multiple award-winning author, hospice chaplain, and grief counselor Gary Roe is a trusted voice who has been helping wounded, grieving hearts find hope and healing for more than three decades. Written with heartfelt compassion, this warm, easy-to-read, and practical book reads like a caring conversation with a friend and will become a comforting companion as you navigate the turbulent waters of grief following the loss of a parent (or parents).

Gary’s desire is to meet you in your grief and walk with you there. Composed of brief chapters, Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child's Heart is designed to be read one chapter per day, giving you bite-sized bits of comfort, encouragement, and healing over a period of time. You do not have to read it this way, of course. We all grieve differently. Read in the way that is most natural for you.

In Comfort for the Adult Child's Heart, you will discover how to...
-Process complicated grief emotions (sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, guilt, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, etc).
- Navigate all the relational changes - feeling alone, misunderstood, isolated, and even rejected by those around you.
- Handle the increased stress and uncertainty that this heavy loss can bring.
-Deal with physical and mental health issues, illnesses, and new symptoms that often arise.
-Take care of yourself through diet, hydration, fitness, and rest.
-Deal with a myriad of practical issues (financial challenges, parenting, family activities),
-Handle the intense sense of being orphaned that comes with this loss.

You will also find hope in how to...
- Think through the challenging spiritual and faith questions that frequently surface.
- Relate well to the people around you - those who are helpful and those who aren't.
- Overcome the tendency to run from emotional pain with unhealthy habits or compulsive behaviors.
- Deal well with triggers and the grief bursts that will come.
- Find the support you need for survival, recovery, and healing (safe people, fellow grievers, counseling, etc.).
- Develop a simple, realistic plan for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
- Use your grief for good - for yourself, your family, and others.
- Allow this loss to give you greater perspective and motivate you to live more effectively than ever before.
- Make your life count, one day, one moment at a time.

Please don’t grieve alone. Let >i>Comfort for the Adult Child's Heart join you on this arduous, tasking journey. Be kind to yourself. Take your heart seriously.

Death has invaded, but it doesn't have to win. Read on. Comfort awaits you in these pages of this book.

“The author’s ability to connect with the those grieving the loss of a parent is so evident. Readers will see themselves on almost every page and find the comfort they need in Gary’s compassionate empathy and counsel.” – Paul Casale, Licensed Professional Counselor/Marriage and Family Therapist

Genres: Grief, Nonfiction

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2020

About the author

Hi. My name is Gary.

My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.

Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.

After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:

• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal

I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.

Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful. I have read several books on grief. This is the best book I have read after the loss of my mother. I would recommend it to anyone going through grief. I plan to read it again. It answered so many questions I had & gave me hope. Thank you,

[Anni Welborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful. When my dad died fifteen years ago, I didn't have time to grieve because I had two small children, one with significant special needs. So when my mom died four years ago, I was bowled over by the double whammy of grief for both my parents. How I wish I had had this book back then! But it's never too late to process the different waves of grief that continue to crash over me from time to time. I think you'll find this book very helpful. It may at times seem too simple -- unless you're going through it. Then it's a steady hand helping you keep your balance during a very tumultuous time, even if it's years later. I felt like Mr. Roe was sitting with me over coffee, encouraging me to take care of my heart. His writing style is warm, sympathetic, and steadying. Focus on this one thing at a time. Breathe. Acknowledge what's hurting. Take care of yourself. Breathe. And keep living.

[C Lerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to read if you've lost a Parent. It conveys exactly what the heart feels and the words that a grieving heart would speak aloud but often time dare not. It doesn't hold back and it has good suggestions for getting through the periods of grief that are just flat out overwhelming. The chapters are short and easy to read. There is no preaching it in or spiritual bent so it is useful across the board for anyone in any place of life. The author exhibits a sensitivity to the griever that allows the heart to open up. I did find that it helped me with the grieving process immensely, sometimes even helping me to admit things I was holding back and let the sadness come. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a parent.

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe again gets to the heart of grief. This time he deals with the loss of a parent. The words in this book speaks directly to the child in us as we grieve the loss of our parent. In the introduction, he writes these directions on how to read the book: "Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child’s Heart is designed to be read one chapter each day, giving you bite-sized bits of comfort over a period of time.
You do not have to read it this way, of course. You may find yourself wanting to read the same chapter several days in a row, or perhaps go back and reread a chapter here and there. We all grieve differently. Read in the way that is most natural for you."

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Gary Roe, knows grief. Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child's Heart is written in short, journal-like entries. Each entry ends with an affirmation. Blank, lined pages are interspersed throughout the book inviting the reader to journal, which could be helpful. Many of the topics will resonate with someone dealing with the death of a parent(s) or parent-figure, the book is not 100% secular (and truthfully that is difficult to find) but I connected with many of the topics in dealing with my own grief. Also, Gary Roe shares his own experience with grief at the end of the book. It is oddly comforting to read a book written by someone who "gets it".

[Tracey Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort and Hope after the loss of a parent

For any adult child who’s grieving the loss of a parent, I highly recommend Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child’s Heart. It is loaded with real and honest feelings that we as adult children experience after the passing of a parent. One of the things I love about this book is it’s an easy read. The chapters are short, comforting, thought provoking and full of compassion. I found myself identifying personally with each chapter as if Mr. Roe wrote each one with me in mind. Thank you Gary Roe for nailing it once again as you continue to minister to those going through the grieving process.

[Carolyn Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been such a help to me since losing my dad two months ago. I am going to re- read it, one chapter at a time, the way it was actually intended to be read. The chapters are very small. Throughout the book there are journal prompts and I will answer them this time in a separate journal. It's helped me navigate certain feelings and understand they I'm feeling is normal and a part of grief.
This book is one I am sure I will refer too often and re read certain chapters again certain feelings arise in this grief journey. I purchased a book for my brother and the book on losing your spouse for my mom.
Highly recommend if you have lost a parent.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe truly understands the roller coaster of emotions during the grief journey. If you have lost a loved one, you will find solace in his books. The newest, for those grieving the loss of a parent speaks directly, his “grieving heart” sections mirror the multitude of emotions I’ve felt as I travel the grief journey, and his words, affirmations and suggestions for journaling offer concrete ways of healing. I have copied his affirmations and posted them on my mirror to guide my thinking and healing. Most helpful book I’ve read.

[Annette Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful book I have read to date! It has helped me understand things like there is NO time limit on grieving! Everyone greaves differently. Mr Roe has written one of the best books ever! I highly recommend this book to anyone that has lost a parent! It is easy to read. Mr Roe is an OUTSTANDING author. It may not show up but I bought the Kindle version and I am waiting on my book to arrive in the mail! Get this book! You will never regret it!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is help for your grieving heart, and this book is so very helpful. Losing a parent, no matter the age, is painful. I know this because I lost my mom, my best friend, just 4 months ago. Gary's book helps me to understand the extreme ups and downs I experience on a day to day basis. Gary has a way of comforting and explaining and gently guiding you as you journey through the process of grief. It is a difficult process and this book is a must read to help your broken heart.

[Laura Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book validates my feelings. I have compound grief and this really helps me to make sense of it all. Gary Roe has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. I would definitely recommend this book to those grieving the loss of a parent. I would also recommend all of Gary's books. They have helped me tremendously. He does a wonderful job of helping in validating the myriad of thoughts, feelings and emotions that come with a grieving heart. Thank you, Gary for "getting it".

[Susan C. Beabout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an EMOTIONAL EXPLOSION OF THE HEART WHILE GRIEVING A PARENT! It is an excellent read! Gary Roe explores almost every emotion possible from shock to anger to depression to fear, and everything in-between. I loved the coaching passages at the end of each "from the grieving heart" chapter, so that I had tools to grieve well. I lost my dad in 2010 and my mom in 2015, and this book was so relevant and helpful for me!

[Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on grieving I have read so far. Sometimes it actually feels like Gary know my thoughts and feelings, because he describe everything in such detail. It is nice knowing we are not alone in our grieving. And this book gives us the tools on what to do to survive through such a loss. I will recommend this book to anyone grieving. Gary, once again you have outdone yourself.

[Diana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched on grieving a parent that wasn't the best of relationships. I've lost both parents. Grieving my mom was difficult because we didn't get along. I was there when she passed, but I felt sad that we weren't close. When my dad passed, I had the privilege of caring for him the last two years of his life. So I have grieved differently with their passing. I was grateful for this book. It's helpful to know we're not in this alone. Thank you, Gary, for this book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of Gary’s books and they have all made me feel less alone in my grief. He touches on so many elements of grief. I was so happy to hear that this book was coming out focused on adult children grieving a parent. His words feel like they were written especially for me. I can relate to every part of this book I have read so far. When reading any of Gary’s work, it feels like I am talking to a supportive friend. I definitely recommend this book and any of Gary’s work!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most comprehensive book to help adult children who are grieving the loss of a parent. The author addresses all the emotions we experience when we lose a parent. He does this in an easy to read style, as he does in all his books. Anyone can follow his helpful hints to ease the burden of loss. I certainly recommend this helpful book to anyone who has lost a parent. Fran S., LPC

[Nancy Breedlove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief is a messy business. The loss of a loved one is painful and can send the survivor into a tailspin of emotions. I find that navigating that phase of life is a bit easier since I discovered and read Gary Roe’s book entitled “Comfort for the Grieving Adult Child’s Heart.” His book is balm for the soul.

[Joan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I lost my dad 10 months ago, I’ve experienced so many emotions and have even wondered if what I was feeling was normaI. This book helped me realize that, even though we all grieve in different ways, what I was going through was much like what many others go through. With its short chapters, the book is easy to understand, and it will be of great help to those who have lost a parent.

[R. Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, I lost both parents. Navigating life in the aftermath of that is challenging and many times confusing. In this book, Gary validates the pain and many various topics that arise from losing a parent as an adult. I found comfort, validation and much healing as I read this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a parent. Thank you, Gary!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary has a unique ability to connect with the heart of the griever. His words in this book gave a voice to the pain in my heart after the sudden loss of my father. Gary offers validation for mixed grief emotions, but also gives affirmations to encourage moving forward in the grief journey. This is a must read for anyone who has lost a parent !

[Tennille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing a parent affects everyone differently but tends to be wholly overwhelming and challenging, regardless of the relationship. This book is a fabulous resource which addresses the emotions, the challenges, the unspoken (and sometimes taboo) feelings that may arise, with compassion and understanding. This is a resource to pick up again and again through the stages of grief and healing.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has acknowledged all the feelings that this roller coaster of grief has taken me on since the passing of my mom in December. I will be telling my family and friends about this wonderful book Gary has written.

[Joyce Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book it helped me to understand the feeling and thoughts involved with dealing with the grief of losing both parents, I lost both of my parents within 2.5 months apart. Reading this book has helped in so many levels in many ways.

[Karen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us have lost parents. If your loss was yesterday or decades ago, you will find this book of value. The author offers hope & comfort when we need it.

[Heidi Casey Sollars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spot on with many of the daily issues and emotions that I have experienced. It is like having my own portable support group.

[Suzanne Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw myself on alot of pages. You are not alone in your grief. This book was very comforting; knowing others have experienced the same thoughts and feelings, etc.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed and ended up returning this book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely wonderful. The loss of a parent is extremely hard to navigate. Reading this book has helped tremendously process the loss of my mother.

[Rendi Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me realize what I was feeling was normal. He describes things that I couldn't put into words perfectly.

[Angela Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read over the course of a year and a half and enjoyed ❤️