I've been writing these kinds of stories for about ten years now. I started handing them out to clients in my therapy practice to see how they would react. Their responses were typically positive. Those in grief knew right away how their loss had affected them and they reported finding comfort here in these words.

A few years ago, I found out for myself what an impact these stories could have when I went through the grief of losing my mother. That event tossed me into a state where sadness and loss were my main companions. I stayed there for many months. Re-reading the stories and reflections brought me hope. They provided comfort when I turned to them. I was reminded that my gift for writing had come from above, that these stories had arrived via "cosmic e-mail," and they could benefit anyone, including myself.

At first, I couldn't understand why I had been "selected" for this. Then it occurred to me that, to this point, this had been my life theme. Seeking comfort for myself through my own trials and tribulations had steered me towards counseling and therapy where I brought comfort to others because I knew how they felt. I "knew" these experiences from the inside out.

I'm not in those circumstances anymore. My heart, which had been badly bruised in earlier years, has been mending nicely for some time. I had to let go of my private practice because I'd given too much, and not conserved enough emotional energy for my own needs. Burnout is a very tough lesson.

Here I am at this stage in my life, reflecting on what I've done and wondering where to go next. These stories and reflections come back to me now in a vastly different way. I see them as a gift to myself and to those suffering through their own losses. Having been there a few more times lately, I guess it's time to share once again. My last big loss was my career and, as a result, I've had to learn how to rebuild myself into the person I'm supposed to be now, as per the Cosmic Plan.

Currently, my life is more about giving, caring and, yes, "receiving." That's a big word nowadays. So many of us workaholics were too busy slamming into walls to see the merit of that one. Not to worry, I'm in good company. Thousands more individuals are colliding with their respective walls these days. If it isn't work related "burnout," then it's the death of a family member or friend. Climbing the ladder of success for applause or that corner office has lost its luster. So many people are now saying "I don't think so, not anymore." All of those goals that "invite" and then "take us apart" are illusions of course. I, like so many, was seduced into believing that this was the right path; till we crashed and entered our personal grieving process

This book is for "lovers," for people who want to fall back in love with their Self, in the healthy sense, in the artistic and imaginative sense, in the way that God designed us. "In His Image" right? Well, so it says in the good book. Let's take a closer look shall we. Are we here just for ourselves, or to make a contribution? Are we here to soar with the eagles, or to burn up like a falling satellite? What's our story anyhow? Let's ask that and see what answers we come up with.

Yes, let's look at ourselves more closely and ask: "What does Grief have to teach me?" Let's face it, when the chips are down and we don't have friends to reach out to, then we have very little. Because what Grief says, loud and clear, is: "You can't do this alone." And that is it in a nutshell. Let this book be your "friend" for now, while you go out there and obtain some comfort and loving, the kind of friendship that will remind you: "You are not alone." He'll be there waiting for you, in whatever "shape" you require. Count on that and: "Believe."