The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions
Ebook
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 firsthand the
sorrow of bereavement: 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.
From the Back Cover
How to handle holidays and special occasions without your
loved one.
Whether you've lost a spouse, parent, child, friend, or
sibling, The Empty Chair invites you to journey through
grief toward life-giving healing. You'll learn how to incorporate
new traditions on special days like anniversaries and birthdays,
create memorials that honor and affirm your loved one's life,
rebuild your individual sense of identity, and more. Most of all,
you'll discover a new sense of joy that can become a special part
of future holidays.
"This work affirms the difficulty of celebrating special occasions
when in the midst of grief and offers practical suggestions and
insights. A remarkable resource."
--Ann Bartlett, coordinator, Mayo Hospital Hospice
Program
"Help and hope for all who face the holidays anxiously because a
special loved one is absent."
--James R. Kok, director, International Conference on Care
and Kindness, Crystal Cathedral
"The action suggestions are helpful. The meditations at the end of
each chapter act as a healing balm."
--John Morgan, director of King's College Centre for
Education about Death and Bereavement
"The authors impart a wisdom found not only in their intellects but
captured in the priceless experiences of their hearts."
--Martin L. Hollebeek, past president, Michigan Funeral
Directors Association
"A unique and useful way to assist in managing one's grief during a
very difficult time."
--Ron E. Wilder, president, Association for Death Education
and Counseling
Product Details
- Title : The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions
- Authors:
- Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Susan J. R.N., Ed.D
- De Vries, Robert C.
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2001
- ISBN: 9781585582020
Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge (R.N., Ed.D.) is a clinical
psychologist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
Robert C. De Vries (D.Min, Ph.D.) is professor of church
education at Calvin Theological Seminary. They live in Grand
Rapids, Michigan.