Helping Survivors Manage

A letter, entitled “For the grieving” appeared in the Pioneer Press after the story that Mary Divine wrote was printed. I was touched by it and wanted to share it parts of it with you. The author Kathryn Abram of Lakeville, describes her husband’s death 2 1/2 years ago. While she thought she was prepared for the changes to her daily life and the paperwork she would face, she discovered she was not. Like many survivors, she found overwhelming grief made even the smallest decisions nearly impossible.

Kathryn says ends her letter by saying, “How nice it would have been to have such a book. How nice it would have been if the funeral home, in understanding of this difficult time, had such a book to offer me as part of its package. How nice it would be, now that such a book is available, if funeral homes would recognize what an invaluable service they’d be doing to provide this book.”

Thank you, Kathryn, and I am sorry for your loss…

This past Sunday, I had the privilege to speak about the book at the First Congregational Church of Minnesota in Minneapolis. They requested that I talk a little about the book during their “End of Life” discussion following services. It was interesting to hear the comments and see the faces of those who have been through what I have, you really can see it. I think it may be similar to what it is like to be a parent; unless you are one, you really cannot comprehend its impact. One of the comments that I continue to hear from survivors, to quote Gilda Radner’s book “It’s always something”. There is always something that will be necessary to handle that you will never expect. And there are things that seem to take forever to complete. It seems like one cannot really move forward unless all is settled, and sometimes it takes years to settle something related to a death. There’s always something…else to do…patience is key. Peace…

After research and thought, I have decided to sell the book on Amazon. Sales and feedback continue to be promising…as always, any and all feedback is welcome..Peace…

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616232730

Kat Reed — Begin Here: Helping Survivors Manage

Time: Thursday, February 18, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Location: Common Good Books
165 Western Ave N, Suite 14
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.225.8989
www.commongoodbooks.com

Everyone dies. We realize that this blatant statement is shocking, but it is true. There are countless organizations around the world that offer grief support, but none that provides the product that we offer. Helping Survivors Manage was created on the foundation of most new ventures: a void in the market. We hope to fill that need with our experienced team of subject matter experts (those who have been through it, as well as funeral directors, hospice, health and death care professionals) to help others through this difficult time.

Kat Reed has over 25 years experience in the financial/business world. Her background in bookkeeping and office management gives her the unique ability to address both the details and the big picture. She has been a hospice volunteer and has an affinity for the elderly. She became interested in the issues survivors face when both her parents died in a thirteen month span.

This book arose from Kat’s own work helping her predominantly deaf father manage her mother’s affairs when her mom died. Kat and her dad wondered how people manage all these tasks when they don’t have a family or support system.

Thanks to the wonderful article, I have filled orders for another bookstore, Garrison Keillor’s famous local favorite:
Common Good Books
165 Western Ave N, Suite 14
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.225.8989
www.commongoodbooks.com