Surviving the Unthinkable: The Loss of a Child, Paperback

"This is an eye-opening, heart warming, life-giving book, filled with hope, truth, faith, inspiration, motivation, and day by day comforting suggestions - a real GPS for the heart and soul, reflecting her personal loss, and her wealth of knowledge as nurse and college professor, told in her warm, inviting, down-to-earth writing style giving her readers confidence and tools to survive, believing they will have a meaningful life again. Although the book is focused on bereaved moms with a section written especially for family and friends, it's practical, powerful message delivered through numerous, valuable topics can inspire anyone who lost a loved one, tenderly guiding them through the challenges and roller coaster ride of grief and all there is to learn about the Grief Process. As a bereaved mom who lost a son and daughter in a car accident, a TCF Chapter Leader for 26 years, a columnist for Grief Digest for 14 years, Diocesan Bereavement Coordinator of 134 parishes for 12 years, and author of The Death of a Child, Reflections for Grieving Parents, I love this healing book and highly recommend it - a great gift that talks to your heart giving you courage to make good choices." Elaine E. Stillwell, Sept. 29, 2017

About the Author:

After Dr. Janice Bell Meisenhelder lost her teenage daughter to cancer, she started peer counseling to help other grieving mothers. She has used her nine years of experience as a counselor to write Surviving the Unthinkable.

Meisenhelder received her doctoral degree in nursing science. She has worked as an intensive care unit and oncology nurse. She is now a professor of nursing at Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts. Meisenhelder has seen many families cope with their grief. With gentle, encouraging advice, she shows mothers and others how to deal with their loss.

Meisenhelder has previously published thirty-six articles in various journals, including "Caring for the Bereaved Parent: Guidelines for Practice" in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.