"I have read several books on Grief and Loss and I can safely say that Parables on Grief & Loss has been my number one source of consolation.  This book is easy to read and struck many chords for me.  In fact, I saw myself in so many of the stories, I felt the book had been written just for me."

Mrs. A. Richard, Ontario  (Lost her husband in 1996)

"The loss of a loved one is such a tragic event.  This collection of stories presents Love and Hope in support of Grief and Despair."

Cheryl Lasson - Manitoba  (Lost twin sister in 1997)

" Parables on Grief and Loss is a collection of wonderful stories, about Hope and Healing, told with a simple wisdom.  Dr. Turmel presents us with a difficult topic, addressing it in an uplifting and inspirational voice."

Stone Wallace: Author - Winnipeg, Canada

"These stories give us permission to express our feelings of Grief and Loss overtly.  They are therapeutic, written in simple fashion, appealing to men, women and children, who have found themselves in the circumstance of grief, with a wounded heart. Thank you Dr. Turmel for sharing your own heart with us."

Sister Evelyn Bastien:  Longeuil, Quebec

"Even though references to God are Christian in tone, Parables on Grief and Loss will appeal to persons of many faiths suffering the experience of loss.  The stories are simple and hold interest, offering much comfort, insight and motivation to share one's Grief, that being essential to the healing process."

Father Gilbert Gariepy:  Chaplain Services
Health Sciences Center - Winnipeg, Manitoba

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What is it about Grief & Loss that upsets us so much?  Is it the heavy duty emoting that we have to do to get through our suffering?  Is it the fear we have about opening ourselves to all this pain?  Because, let’s face it, it’s hard down there, in the land of grieving where all those emotions toss us around like a cork on a stormy sea.

 

We understand that this is necessary, at a surface level, but how we are feeling is what really counts.  In that place we call Grief & Loss, is where pain dominates our life and where suffering is the paramount teacher.  This is really difficult, and we know it only too well at times like these.  We go there because we have to, but we try hard to escape, as soon as possible.

 

What is necessary now to get through to the end of this process?  Is it simply a matter of toughing it out, or, do we have to dredge and dig and pummel ourselves along the way?  It’s hard to be sure what we must do at such times.

 

All those Gurus that say “do it this way or that way,” are they capable of handling it themselves?  As a survivor, going through grief, I would want to know that, wouldn’t you?  The essence of false advertising is “never having been there yourself,” is it not?  Absolutely, this we all know without a doubt.

 

So what do we require then to move through this landscape called Grief & Loss?  We seem to know this at some level, don’t we?  We seem to know that deep down where our sorrows dwell, there is an inescapable reality.  We have to feel this.  Oh yes, it’s an ugly fact, but true nevertheless.  We have to feel this pain in order to exorcise it from our bodies.  Yes, we have to feel it, so we can learn that this too is survivable.  Isn’t that the most important thing in all such activities – to know where you are at in your own heart when you finally get to the truth?

 

This truth I talk about is your truth, that feeling in your gut when you know you are right.  Since this is your truth, then only You can determine its validity for yourself.  No guru can ever take you there.  Because deep down, this is your “house,” your well-spring of creative experience.  What happens here defines your life, tells you who you are and, right now, what you have to suffer at times of grief and loss.

 

To some that may seem sad though, to arrive in this “feeling” place where grief has brought you.  But is it really?  Perhaps it’s a better thing than you imagined, this place where truth resides within.  Perhaps it’s more than you ever bargained for.  Sure, grief brought you here, but what else goes on in this place of tender emotion? How about looking around, since you’re already here?

 

These are your life lessons after all, to have and to hold, until your truths can be borne.  How could you ever have a guru do that for you?  No such luck!  You have to do it yourself.  But what a fantastic opportunity to get to know yourself better, to live deep inside your own heart and soul while this grieving process goes on around you.

 

Let me assure you that you will survive. You will overcome these tragic effects. Because there is truth in there where you live.  And that truth will take you somewhere important - for you!  This is Your Truth, remember, and only you can assess, experience and benefit from the effects it will have upon you.

 

So do it!  Allow yourself to descend to where it hurts and find out for yourself what this experience of grief and loss is, and what it can teach you that might correct your misperceptions about Life, Love & Purpose.  Yes, you have access to the truth, just as I do, just as we all do.  As these lessons arrive, they are yours for the taking.  We all get them.  Grief and Loss are but one more avenue to help us get to our very own Truth.  Yes, the suffering will eventually pass, but the Truth – well, that’s forever!

 

 

Maurice Turmel PhD is the author of “Parables on Grief & Loss” and “The Voice.”  He was a practicing therapist for nearly 25 years, and is now an Author, Speaker and Performing Songwriter, all on the subject of Personal Growth, Creative Self-Expression and dealing with Grief & Loss. He can be reached at drmoe2000@yahoo.com