A unique and heartfelt anthology of inspirational essays by those grieving over the deaths of parents, partners, friends, children, even enemies and pets, to provide comfort to others facing loss.
Joy in the Mourning is not only the story of an accident that claimed the lives of Esther's three siblings on the way to their Father's funeral; it is also a detailed account of the feelings and struggles that accompany the grieving process. It portrays a clear message to those that have suffered any kind of loss, that they are not alone. From the automobile accident, the house fire, and the gradual loss of her mother during the same time period, Esther also shares moments of joy and the healing effects of humor in the midst of suffering.
Lawrence Bartell experienced many strange events over the course of his long life, at least partly because he deliberately strayed far from the beaten path in science. While it might not have been the most efficient way to gain a reputation in his field, it was more fun. In his memoir, he presents a collection of entertaining, sometimes bizarre stories collected over a lifetime. Bartell chronicles a wide variety of experiences, such as his predisposition to indulge in childhood pranks, his arrest as a possible Russian spy, his work on the Manhattan Project, his entry into the Guinness Book of Records, his stint in the US Navy during wartime, and his appointment as visiting professor in Moscow during the height of the Cold War. As he recalls the curious and often bizarre true stories he acquired over a lifetime, it soon becomes evident that scientists are just as human as anyone else and that beer really can play an important role in preparing one for a PhD thesis. True Stories of Strange Events and Odd People shares details from a scientist's one-of-a-kind journey through life as he observes the world around him, tests his theories, and learns valuable life lessons.
Michael's Eulogy centers around one man having to play God over a decision that pertains to not only a convicted murderer, but also the lives of a whole town and especially, the man's late best friend. Danny Gardner is asked to speak the eulogy at the funeral of his childhood best friend Michael Connolly, who had committed suicide, leaving a letter for everyone to read. But a day following the funeral and Danny's return home, he's given a letter written by Michael, explaining in riddles the true reason of suicide and that the original letter is more of a ploy. Confused and uncertain of the letter'smeaning, Danny recalls a pastmurder of a female classmate of theirs. Having to investigate hidden lies surrounding her murder that entails with the letter, Danny returns to Michael's hometown, but this time to cross examine the town's most protected secret that could destroy the entire town if discovered and revealed. ChristopherWilliamSelnawas born inMission Viejo, California. When hewas six his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he attended Sandpiper Elementary, Desert Shadows Middle School, and graduated at St. Mary's High School. After graduation, Christopher enlisted in theMarines and served four active years and was discharged honorably. He then attended Scottsdale Community College, and after a year of tending school, he decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue a screenwriting career. During his time in Los Angeles, Christopher Selna had worked at three restaurants as a bartender, notably Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Deciding that there were too many distractions he moved to Oregon with half of his first novel completed. Shortly after, he finished that novel and two more afterwards. Leaving Oregon a year later, he returned to Arizona where he started and finished his fourth novel, Michael's Eulogy. He still resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is working on a new novel.
If you're like most people, you've probably wondered what will happen after you're gone. What will you wear to your funeral? What will your obituary say? Will the people in your life know that you loved them? Formatted like a journal and intermingled with charmingly helpful tips and witty, expert advice, My Last Wishes provides you with the chance to leave behind the answers to these questions and many more. It's the ultimate gift to give yourself and your loved ones. What's more, filling it out inspires you to treasure your life today, and look forward to the life you have yet to live.