Reflections in Grief's Prism

Book review: "Catching the Light: Coming Back to Life after the Death of a Child" by Genesse Bourdeau Gentry, Booksurge Publishers 2009

Genesse Gentry has penned her second book of poetry for healing grief. "Catching the Light" speaks to the heart and soul of the bereaved and anyone who loves someone caught in sorrow's wake. For nearly 2 decades Genesse has chosen growth through devastating heartache. The result has brought her empathy and wisdom to traverse the treacherous road to renewal.

Optimism and appreciation for life's continuing wonders found in Gentry's poems provide markers for the newly bereaved who haven't a clue how they will survive another day: "And as the fragments catch the light, more colors are revealed, and rainbows are formed, reflecting the pools of deep love and renewed hope we find inside."

Yet, Gentry refuses platitudes and dispels myths of acceptance, letting go, closure. "It is not saying goodbye but saying hello that keeps me sane. Hello to her life, as well as her death – and never, ever saying goodbye."

Grief's Garden, my favorite piece from Gentry's first book, "Stars in the Deepest Night," appears again in the second tome and presents a perfect metaphor for the unrelenting labor of survival. Just as a garden must be painstakingly tended so must grief's garden. With "back breaking and bone crushing" toil… "from deep inside the soul, will come strength and deep compassion. With love and care it will take hold."

We who have experienced the death of a loved one suffer not only the absence, but distance, avoidance and silence from those who once were active participants in our lives. Gentry's book will give those who don't know what to say perspective to bring the words, "I'm here for you."

You may cry while reading the book. I'll be surprised if you don't. But tears will cleanse, renew and wash away fear. Like tears shed in grief's garden, the gifts revealed will be clarity, compassion and understanding.

Genesse Bourdeau Gentry is the author of "Stars in the Deepest Night - After the Death of a Child." She lives in Marin County, California with her husband Bill. She is the mother of Lori (1970-1991) and Megan. Gentry is the Northern California Regional Coordinator for The Compassionate Friends (TCF), a worldwide organization supporting family after a child dies. Gentry presents writing workshops at TCF National Conferences. She is a contributing author for the Open to Hope Foundation.

"Catching the Light: Coming Back to Life after the Death of a Child" is available at Amazon.com or at the author's Web site afterthedeathofachild.com.

Diana deRegnier writes from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her articles appear on Web sites and in print publications around the world. © Diana deRegnier 2010.