In this groundbreaking new work, David Kessler--an expert on grief and
the coauthor with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross of the iconic On Grief and
Grieving--journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth
stage: meaning.
In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler Ross first identified the stages of dying in
her transformative book On Death and Dying. Decades later, she and
David Kessler wrote the classic On Grief and Grieving, introducing the
stages of grief with the same transformative pragmatism and compassion.
Now, based on hard-earned personal experiences, as well as knowledge and
wisdom earned through decades of work with the grieving, Kessler
introduces a critical sixth stage.
Many people look for "closure" after a loss. Kessler argues that it's
finding meaning beyond the stages of grief most of us are familiar
with--denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance--that can
transform grief into a more peaceful and hopeful experience.
In this book, Kessler gives readers a roadmap to remembering those who
have died with more love than pain; he shows us how to move forward in a
way that honors our loved ones. Kessler's insight is both professional
and intensely personal. His journey with grief began when, as a child,
he witnessed a mass shooting at the same time his mother was dying. For
most of his life, Kessler taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police,
and first responders about end of life, trauma, and grief, as well as
leading talks and retreats for those experiencing grief. Despite his
knowledge, his life was upended by the sudden death of his
twenty-one-year-old son.
How does the grief expert handle such a tragic loss? He knew he had to
find a way through this unexpected, devastating loss, a way that would
honor his son. That, ultimately, was the sixth state of grief--meaning.
In Finding Meaning, Kessler shares the insights, collective wisdom,
and powerful tools that will help those experiencing loss.
Finding Meaning is a necessary addition to grief literature and a
vital guide to healing from tremendous loss. This is an inspiring,
deeply intelligent must-read for anyone looking to journey away from
suffering, through loss, and towards meaning.
