The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions - Paperback

by Susan J. R. N. Zonnebelt-Smeenge Ed D. (Author), Robert C. De Vries (Author)

Losing a loved one--whether a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend--leaves people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Holidays and other special occasions seem to intensify the pain. Whether the occasion is Christmas or Easter, a birthday or anniversary, these celebrations force the bereaved to again face the reality of a loved one's absence.

Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. De Vries know firsthand the sorrow of bereavement: Both lost a spouse. Yet as they faced their pain and gleaned insights from their professions--Susan is a psychologist, Robert, a minister--they found renewed richness on special days that once brought heartache.

In The Empty Chair, the authors share a comforting blend of emotional support, spiritual guidance, and personal experience to help readers honor their loved one on important days. Those who support the bereaved--mental-health professionals, pastors, funeral home staff, and others--will also appreciate this book for its reflective yet practical approach.

Front Jacket

Like a firestorm blazing through a forest, the grief of losing a loved one seems to leave nothing but ashes in its path. The hope and meaning in life appear to vanish. And at no time is that pain more acute than on holidays and other special occasions.

Yet even after a forest fire, eventually there is new growth. Out of the devastation of grief you can begin again.

In The Empty Chair, the authors, who have each experienced the death of a spouse, share both pastoral and mental health insights on how you can handle significant days. Offering a comforting blend of emotional support, spiritual guidance, and personal experience, this book is a reflective yet practical approach to finding peace and joy on your journey through grief.

Back flap
Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge (R.N., Ed.D.) is a clinical psychologist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Robert C. DeVries (D.Min, Ph.D.) is professor of church education at Calvin Theological Seminary and an ordained minister. They live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Back Jacket

How to handle holidays and special occasions without your loved one.

Whether you've lost a spouse, parent, child, friend, or sibling, The Empty Chair invites you to journey through grief toward life-giving healing. You'll learn how to incorporate new traditions on special days like anniversaries and birthdays, create memorials that honor and affirm your loved one's life, rebuild your individual sense of identity, and more. Most of all, you'll discover a new sense of joy that can become a special part of future holidays.

"This work affirms the difficulty of celebrating special occasions when in the midst of grief and offers practical suggestions and insights. A remarkable resource."
--Ann Bartlett, coordinator, Mayo Hospital Hospice Program

"Help and hope for all who face the holidays anxiously because a special loved one is absent."
--James R. Kok, director, International Conference on Care and Kindness, Crystal Cathedral

"The action suggestions are helpful. The meditations at the end of each chapter act as a healing balm."
--John Morgan, director of King's College Centre for Education about Death and Bereavement

"The authors impart a wisdom found not only in their intellects but captured in the priceless experiences of their hearts."
--Martin L. Hollebeek, past president, Michigan Funeral Directors Association

"A unique and useful way to assist in managing one's grief during a very difficult time."
--Ron E. Wilder, president, Association for Death Education and Counseling

Author Biography

Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge (R.N., Ed.D.) is a clinical psychologist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
Robert C. De Vries (D.Min, Ph.D.) is professor of church education at Calvin Theological Seminary. They live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.