My Story

I have been acquainted with grief and loss.

I am a Chartered Accountant, now semi-retired, living in Melbourne, Australia. I have a loving wife of 50 years. We have three adult children and two wonderful grandchildren. A fairly typical family for our part of the world, one could say.

Over our lifes journey weve had our share of serious challenges. Within our immediate family we have been confronted with a life-threatening cancer episode, serious brain surgery and, during an extremely traumatic period, two suicide attempts. We thank God we have survived.

In more recent times, both my parents died within five weeks of each other, one of our closest friends is battling cancer, another friends favourite granddaughter was tragically killed in a “drunk driver” motor vehicle accident and my partner and mentor in lawn bawls died this year from pancreatic cancer.

There are other examples about personal grief and loss I could quote but I think you get the picture.

A Recent Australian Experience

I know that there are many, many people and families out there with far worse experiences than ours. Within the last few weeks, Australians grieved for the loss of Jane McGrath, the young wife of one of Australias greatest Test cricketers, Glenn McGrath. Jane was only 42 and bravely battled breast cancer for more than ten years. Her work for breast cancer sufferers during that time was an inspiration to women across the nation. Australians empathized with the personal grief and loss endured by Glenn and his two young children.

How to Cope with Personal Grief and Loss

Personally, I am not very good at handling grief and loss. The events in my life over recent times led me to seek out experiences and advice with which other people have been involved, and that could prove helpful and indeed inspirational in the healing process. I have researched literally hundreds of articles and information by ordinary people like you and me, as well as by professional counsellors, about this subject. I have gathered the very best of them together in my book. I believe this book will give you the strength to cope and the encouragement to look forward to a fulfilled life.

Your Personal Experience

If youve had a personal encounter with grief and loss, within your immediate family or closest friends, and you think your experience may help or encourage others in their healing process, please feel free to share your experience by telling us about it here.