Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude: Returning to Hope and Joy from a Shattered Life--Sam's Love Story

When your life is shattered in an instant, can conscious and deliberate gratitude and connection to nature help you find joy and hope again?

Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude follows the first thirty months after Sam Francoeur’s death from an accidental opiate (prescription) overdose. His mother, Kris Francoeur, shares her journey from the first crushing days to her eventually being able to find light, joy, and hope again through the practices of conscious and deliberate gratitude, unconditional acceptance of others, and making strong connections to the natural world. Her story helps grieving families feel that hope and joy will return, no matter how devastating and permanent the loss. Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude approaches grief with both a very clear understanding of the realities of the process, and also shares a very personal and honest account of living with grief. It presents healing and hope without relying on religion, formal psychotherapy, or pharmaceutical resources. Kris’s story reminds readers that even as people struggle with mental health issues and addiction, they can still bring joy and love to the world, and everyone is worthy of love and acceptance.

Writer and educator Kris Francoeur is a grieving mother who has found joy and light again through the practices of conscious and deliberate gratitude, unconditional acceptance, and connection with nature. She alternated between Massachusetts and New Jersey growing up, moved to Vermont with her parents, and completed her schooling there. With Master’s degrees in both Counseling Psychology and Educational Leadership, Kris writes with authority about grief and moving forward in our very busy and stressful world. Kris now lives in beautiful Addison County, Vermont with her husband and youngest son.