Jana Sipe Berndt is a blessed mother of three adult children, dog mom to an adorably naughty golden retriever, friend to anyone who can keep up with her fast-paced walks, and talented musician seated most often at the piano. She spent the last thirty-five years as a banker, advisor, and friend to many in her small northern Minnesota community. For much of her career, Jana served on numerous community and non-profit boards. Her life was very normal - until one day it wasn't. Widowed at fifty-two, she was faced with a future she never asked for, didn't want, and certainly didn't foresee. Jana's honest, faith-filled storytelling will encourage, comfort, and inspire you to build resilience in your personal quest towards a more joy-filled life. Finding Norm will leave you with hope that a new "norm" is possible and worth finding!
First, I must admit I knew and worked with Randy and Jana. The book is inspiring. I have dealt with many difficult deaths but could never put my feeling on paper like Jana did. The book made me think of what more can I do for those that lost loved ones well after the date of death. Randy is missed by many people and reading this book helps to fill many of the bereavement holes for me. Stay strong and keep Running for Randy.
She has a far greater faith and a deep support network, more than I have, so although I can relate to the early part of her grief, the latter part, particularly year 3, was hard to understand and internalize. However, every book on grief adds something to hold onto.