Sally Grablick

When it comes to grief, the real "expert" is the one who has experienced it firsthand, and then lived to tell the tale. In this case, that would be me.

I am neither a scientist, nor a psychologist. I am a Midwestern mother who devised a way to rebuild my life after it was shattered by the death of my son. The recommendations and insights presented within this book were compiled out of necessity, not in a clinical study. Somewhere during the healing process, I realized that I had a responsibility to share the lessons I had learned with anyone facing this debilitating loss. Throughout the writing of this book, I spent time sharing with other bereaved individuals; not as an expert, but as someone who has been there and fought their way through the grief. I know that the tools I share are effective. I have seen people use them, and watched as it transformed their despair into hope. From my current vantage point, I can also see how each of my unique skill sets and the culmination of all my professional experience have perfectly prepared me for the mission I am now undertaking.

In the wake of my son's suicide, I struggled to understand the life lessons I was forced to work through; however, I also learned to welcome and embrace the miraculous events that lead to my healing. Throughout my recovery, I always sensed that there was a reason behind these experiences, and there was; they were meant to be shared with others. My mission is to provide comfort and direction to those who are paralyzed with the anguish of grief, and help equip them with the tools required to heal their hearts and reconstruct their lives. I am committed to the vision that ensures this book will reach those individuals who need it the most.

THE REASON was recently named a WINNER of the USA "BEST BOOKS 2011" AWARD, in the Health: Death and Dying category; it was also a FINALIST in the Narrative: Non-fiction category.