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This Is Hard: What I Say When Loved Ones Die.

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“This is hard.” 

With those words, a hospital chaplain acknowledges the pain we feel after the death of someone we love. And then he slowly reflects on our

“Why can’t I think?” “Why am I sad when they are at peace?”"Why do people say stupid things?""Is this my fault?"Formed in hospital rooms and walks down hallways, this short book is like a conversation with someone who understands loss, with words of clarification for our feelings and space to write what is worth remembering in the future. 

This book is helpful for people in the hours and days after a loss. It's helpful for pastors, friends, and family members wanting to know what to say and what not to say. It's helpful for anyone who, at some moment needs to hear, "This is hard." 

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2021

9 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Jon C. Swanson

11 books9 followers
Jon Swanson is a chaplain, teacher, blogger, and introvert. After working in higher education for fifteen years, he became an associate pastor in 2000. And then, in 2016, he became a hospital chaplain.

Jon and his wife, Nancy, have two adult children.

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Kenji.
160 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2024
These sections are short which makes this book helpful when grieving.
The statements in the book might be "obvious", but they aren't so obvious after a loved one dies. Hearing them is so necessary.

A good friend sent me this book after a loved one died.
588 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2022
As a hospice nurse I am always looking for good resources to help me better support my patients and their families along with resources to suggest to them. This is absolutely excellent!!
1 review
July 8, 2022
Great resource!!

This is a quick read with some helpful ideas for someone grieving or someone who has someone grieving in their life. It also has a list of other resources if you want/need to go deeper.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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