Experiencing Grief

by Kenneth C. Haugk

Grief Journey

Genres: Grief, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

43 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Katrine Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoughtful read from the Stephen Ministry grief counseling group. Timely as one of the topics ring true...secondary losses from losing a loved one are often unexpected (like missing going to get their favorite take out or coming home to show them your latest motorcycle adventure) snd hit hard. Having this to read helped.

[Kevin Keating · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author mentions the idea of secondary loss. When you lose someone you also lose all the things they brought to the table. The grief can continue for years.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Haugk does an excellent job in this little book of pointing out misconceptions about grief and setting the record straight. It's okay to grieve, and there is no deadline for completing the process.

[Blake Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of that 4 book series and it was equally as good. There was a section that focused on “firsts” and this was just one of the gems that stood out to me: “How to handle the holidays is a very individual question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Decide what your needs are, and what’s within your comfort zone, and then communicate that to those around you.” The year of firsts sucks. Some of them are expected, others hit you like a freight train at completely unexpected times (my first haircut after my dad passed was really hard, is just one example). One other really poignant thing that stood out from this was people’s 3 responses to your grief of: pulling away, saying the wrong things, or trying to rush you through your grief. I experienced all of these and it was important to finally read a book that gives permission to grieve as needed. Should be a good resource going forward.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift. It reaffirms that I am not going crazy as I continue on this earth . When months later, the repeated actions from weeks before now bring on waves of emotions when least expected. I am at the stage of firsts. The first time, you have to change your emergency contact. The first time, your doctor or another professional is informed that your loved one is deceased. The first time you have to make your own reservations. The first family gathering with out your husband. While some of these first , were only met with anticipation of overwhelming sadness and anxiety , but instead evoked wonderful memories and path way to continuing and relishing in the joy of the moment & the past. It is amazing how the waves can hit you and how paralyzing at times it can be. It's ok to grieve It is ok to weep. Even Jesus Wept.

[Raymond · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not appreciate this volume as much as the prior as it fails to advocate having pets (dogs, cats) who are grand companions and providing their daily upkeep adds daily purpose and enjoyment. Also the on-line social media such as Facebook and special interest sites provide helpful ongoing interactions. In addition, there is no mention of the interactive devices of such as Amazon (echo, show, dot, spot, etc.) when shared with other family members provide valuable interactive communication. I daily exercise with an upright cycle and communicate via many of these devices with a distant family member at the start of the event, during and on completion so that my condition is monitored. I also check in periodically at other times.

[Cherrie Deavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a difficult time to be reading, but this book helped me somewhat. It tells about how to accept your grief, ways that grief may affect you, letting your feelings of grief out, and the year of firsts including the holidays. I haven’t experienced the holidays yet, but I have experienced some firsts and the book was spot on. I would recommend this for anyone who has lost someone. It is short and to the point including a Table of Contents that lists what each chapter is about. This would also be a good read for people who haven’t experienced a loss so that they can better understand and support someone who has.

[Doris Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way to experience grief is through tears. The author highly recommends tears wherever you feel is the best place for you to do it. For example, he says crying in the shower is a good place because he says the water will wash away the tears. The tears will help to wash away the tension and sadness inside you.
I also liked what he had to say about secondary losses. When you lose a husband or wife, you have to take on their responsibilities. This is not easy but be aware that it will happen.
He also mentions the holidays. There will be a change in traditions. Some wil have to disappear, but new ones can be formulated. Of course, the first year is always the hardest.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken me a minute to finish but I did. It’s a very emotional read. I read bits and pieces throughout the weeks and months. Every emotion that I have been feeling was touched upon in this book. It’s helps you understand what you are going through that you are not alone and there are others who are going through the same ordeal. The bottom line is even though it’s hard and we want to give up for our love ones we must keep going because they would want us to. As long as we can carry the memories of them with us they will always be here.

[Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am three months out from losing my husband of 38 years through an accident. I found this to be perfectly aligned to where I am in my grief experience. My son has been given these to read by his minister and has also found them to be helpful.

[Naomi Kingery Bayardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Yes. Yes! This book validated how I’m feeling at this point in the grief process and had some helpful tips.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

See the first book in the series for a full review.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two in Kenneth C. Haugk's series on Journeying through Grief. A continuation on the process of journeying through Grief. An excellent follow-up to Book One, A Time to Grieve.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the 4 that come in this set. Once again, brief, simple, useful insights for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A informative read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Ulana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Pastor gave me this book after my younger brother died unexpectantly. It really helped me to read this book.

[Lee Pfahler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuing description of how grief plays out in our life after the death of a loved one.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 continues to be a comfort after losing my mother last December.

Grieving or know someone who is? Find the 4-booklet series here:
StephenMinistries.org/jtg

Highly recommended.

[Robert Drumheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me with the death of my mother.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this is one night. It is as good as the first and came right when I needed it. I think I'm ready for book 4. If you've experienced a loss, you should read this set of 4 books.

In reading these again because I've lost my father.

[Phyllis Swain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second book on how to continue grieving.

[Don Eggert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy to ready book.

[Tim Gillen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given to me by my mother, following my father's suicide. I found this to be short, helpful, and positive

[Jill Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to help you handle your grief and make you understand that your grieving is a normal process.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

More beautiful and simple ways to deal with grief. This is book two in a three-part series.

[Bethany Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were more accurate descriptions and practical tips in this book than the others in the series. [Unfortunately I learned nothing new because apparently I grieve well.]

[Jeni]

Quick read. I read it, given to me by my church, after the unexpected death of my husband. This book normalizes grief and the inward and outward signs of grief. I am also a mental health therapist and would recommend this book to someone who is coping with the very act of grieving.