Local author Glynis Belec has penned nine stories for Good Grief People and she is also the publisher of the anthology.
Her company, Angel Hope Publishing, released Good Grief People after collaborating with five other writers from across Canada: Alan Anderson, Barbara Heagy, Donna Mann, Ruth Smith Meyer and Carolyn Wilker.
Good Grief People is an anthology filled with “real stories respecting and affirming the individuality of grief while offering hope and encouragement,” states a press release from the publishing company.
“Good Grief People offers no specific formula for grieving but it does offer an opportunity for readers to know they are not alone.”
The release continues, “Many of the stories are … experiences of encounters with a living, loving God. Other stories relay a different kind of grieving and how those who are left behind cope in a crisis. Death is part of life.
“In a world that too often avoids talking about death, Good Grief People gently shines a light on the reality and certainty of this final stage of life.”
The authors share their own stories and invite readers to a quiet place, “validating their grief and reminding them that they do not walk alone.”
Belec’s stories in Good Grief People, include A Beautiful Death – a story about her mother’s last hours; When I Stop Crying – how she grieved after the murder of a friend; Life After Death – what happened after her brother-in-law died by suicide and six other stories.
In the book’s foreword, award-winning Elora author and grief counsellor Donna Mann says, “In the darkness of grief, it is comforting to know others have walked down this path before us and that you may find examples of how they managed in some of the stories found in Good Grief People.
“You may be at different places. You may be just beginning your journey. Perhaps you find yourself on the long stretch in the middle—where darkness surrounds you. Or perhaps your grief journey began a long time ago and now you feel you are understanding it better.
“Hopefully the stories within the covers of Good Grief People will shed light on your particular situation so that you can move ahead.”
The official launch for Good Grief People will be on May 6 from 1 to 3:30pm in the Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Aboyne, between Fergus and Elora.
The public is invited to enjoy a light lunch.
Good Grief People is available at retail outlets including the Angel Hope Book Boutique at the Drayton FoodMarket, BloomingDales, Studio Factor and also at Wordsworth Books in Waterloo, Roxanne’s Books in Fergus, The Bookshelf in Guelph, and at Booklore in Orangeville. Books are also available online on Amazon.ca and in the Angel Hope Publishing Bookstore at www.glynisbelec.com/BOOKSTORE.html.
Signed copies can be obtained from the individual authors.
