Title: Finding Joy In the Midst of Grief
Subtitle: Continuing in God’s Loving Grip Through Loss of a Loved One
Author: Kay Thomson
Publisher: Xulon Press
ISBN: 978-1609579135
Pages: 114
Genre: Christian Grief
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Hollywood Book Reviews
Writer Kay Thomson offers her personal experiences and accumulated wisdom for those who, like her, must walk alone after the loss of a loved one – but never truly alone, as the author reminds readers – because God is always present.
Her book begins as a memoir of the latter years of her several decades of marriage to Dale, around the time when he began to show strange physical symptoms and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Knowing the implications, the couple, both devout Christians and active in their church, tried to exercise courage and cheer, taking a few meaningful trips together, and maintaining ties with family. But Dale’s condition worsened. The next phase was the revelation of Stage 4 colon cancer. Thomson began to have thoughts and fears she had never had to face before, and made it her credo to find the highest possible inner directives, based on her understanding of the Holy Bible and God’s intentions for all. Dale, who was increasingly handicapped, also faced his condition bravely, reminding himself and his wife that he should not ask “Why me?” since he wouldn’t wish his ailments on anyone else, so it must be God’s will. When he passed away, his widow and family felt sure he was in heaven enjoying God’s grace. Dreams gave such indications to Thomson, along with certain “angels” who stepped in at critical times to help her out as she dealt with the prospect of a “new normal” without her beloved husband.
Thomson’s book highlights her direct perspective but also reaches out to others, gradually changing to a “how to” for widows and widowers as they struggle with their common problems. She provides many active steps that one might take in this “new season of life.” These include such details as dealing with and distributing the departed one’s personal possessions, planning a memorial service, and deciding how and where to live in the ensuing years. Thomson joined and helped expand a group of widows and widowers in her religious purview, finding and offering comfort among them. She even became a volunteer at the cancer center where Dale had been treated. She holds fast to her Christian faith and gives Biblical verses throughout her inspiring work to share that faith with readers. Finding Joy would make a warm and welcome addition to workshops and other groups focused on dealing with loss in practical ways, and in the light of spiritual remembrance.