Grieving the Sudden Death of a Loved One

Hosted by Dr. Earl A. Grollman, a rabbi, counselor, and author of Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child; Dr. Heidi Horsley, a psychologist and executive director of the Open to Hope Foundation; and Gregory Floyd, leader of a Catholic covenant community and author of A Grief Unveiled: One Father's Journey Through the Death of a Child, this program focuses on various stages of bereavement after the sudden death of a loved one. Divided into sections corresponding to experiences ranging from shock and denial to disorientation, the film—via many testimonials—describes grief as a “tsunami” during which everything one believes is under question: faith, trust, values, and hope. Amidst all-consuming pain, coping seems nigh impossible, especially since no opportunity is left for closure with the lost individual, no way for people to say the things they wanted to say. The consensus in this helpful program is that grief is a season with its own process and that letting it take hold of you is the best way to heal. Also featuring a special section on working with grieving children while being sensitive to their developmental needs, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)