Empty Chair, The: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions

by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Robert C. De Vries

Losing a loved one whether a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend leaves people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Holidays and other special occasions seem to intensify the pain. Whether the occasion is Christmas or Easter, a birthday or anniversary, these celebrations force the bereaved to again face the reality of a loved one's absence. Susan Zonnebelt Smeenge and Robert C. De Vries know first hand the sorrow of Both lost a spouse. Yet as they faced their pain and gleaned insights from their professions Susan is a psychologist, Robert, a minister they found renewed richness on special days that once brought heartache. In The Empty Chair, the authors share a comforting blend of emotional support, spiritual guidance, and personal experience to help readers honor their loved one on important days. Those who support the bereaved mental health professionals, pastors, funeral home staff, and others will also appreciate this book for its reflective yet practical approach.

Genres: Grief, Christian, Self Help

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Bethany Winn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written for Christians facing special occasions and holidays while they are experiencing acute grief from the death of a loved one, I found this book overly simplified and trite. The authors use annoyingly dualistic language (for example: “You can either look backward with eyes fixed on what used to be. Or you can look forward to what the future may hold.”) and neglect to acknowledge nuance or a third way. The overall message is that God has a plan and grief is normal, which is okay, and why I gave it a 2 instead of 1 star. All this said, it might be a helpful read for Christians with uncomplicated faith, looking for simple reassurance in the immediate aftermath of a devastating loss. It’s blessedly short and has a few brief scripture passages and reflections that aren’t without value.

[Tony Primeau · Rating 2 out of 5]

REALLY preachy. WAY too many Bible quotes, but kinda helpful. Took forever to read, because it was hard to get thru emotionally. I don’t think it helped as much as I wanted it to.

[Yogini Urmila Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written

This was a perfectly timing read and is brilliantly written. It gives applicable ways to address our grief and what it means. It gives the reader hope that there is another side to all of this, and that we have the strength to get to the other side of grief.

[Marlitt De Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks to both Christians and those who dint identify with any faith.
The Empty Chair is a short yet powerful book offering profound suggestions on how to cope and prepare for the absence of a loved one. This book brings meaning and clarity to the grieving process, guiding you towards understanding your new role after loss.

[Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful tool that will help those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful gift for any who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one. This book is specifically geared toward dealing with grief in the face of the first holidays without our loved one. Robert & Susan touch the raw feelings, thoughts and responses of those grieving and give gentle yet firm advice for ways of walking through these time periods and ultimately re-imagining the holidays.

[Marjorie Tinnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great small book (only 5 short chapters) for anyone to read that has recently suffered a loss. It helped me a lot to have perspective while seeing a good friend through the journey of loosing her husband.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those who have lost a loved one. It is well written, and I found it very comforting. I have also given this as a gift to those who are grieving who have told me they found it helpful as well.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the content was very good the context is very religious. we know that people who have recently lost a loved one might be "at odds" with God. For that reason, unfortunately, this is not a book I will be recommending to my clients/patients :(

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, thoughtful book with interesting ideas and perspectives on the grief process. The particular focus is on special days but truly what the authors have written applies to each and every day. Anyone facing/dealing with grief will find something useful in this book.

[Ferree · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review at http://www.widowschristianplace.com/s...

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like most books on grieving are pretty bogus. This one wasn't too bad.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 152.4 ZON

Available.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, insightful reference for helping those who have lost loved ones, especially during the holidays when the loved one's absence heightens the level of grief.