Searching for hope..

Perhaps Author Albert Y. Hsu has written the book we have finally found: the right book for us, the one we have been looking for. We need it. Our whole family needs it. We grieve in the midst of our pain. Our precious grandson Jacob, killed himself, with a gun. Where would he even get a gun? We cannot believe it. He seemed so happy. He spent six years in the Air Force, then back to his classes in NOLA. He had many friends there and he was helping out at two churches near his apartment. Recently he sent a note to his mother, saying "Now I get it..." (about God). Later, the message came, on May 11, 2017....It's hard to say it....he killed hmself....hard to believe....

The first edition of Albert Hsu's book is called Grieving a Suicide, A loved one's search for comfort, answers, and hope. Published by InterVarsityPress, Hsu's book has been revised and expanded, at least twice, and a number of its readers share a paragraph or two, telling of their own painful experiences. Hsu has written his book in memory of his father, Terry Tsai-Yuan Hsu, 1939--1998, and he includes some of his family stories. Part 1 begins with a special word to begin each thought, such as denial, anger, shock, turmoil, lament, depression, and acceptance. In his Introduction, Hsu compares the weather in Minnesota, a state he knows "for frigid winters and heavy snowfall." And he tells survivers of suicide how "they could be caught in a winter storm of epic proportions in the road ahead, and he hopes his book will "guard your heart and soul during a time of terrible agony. May it provide you with some tracks to follow to make your way through."

Part  2 Includes Several Lingering Questions for the Reader:
            Why Did This Happen? Is Suicide the Unforgivable Sin? Where is God When It Hurts?

Part : 3  Life After Suicide; The Spirituality of Grief, The Healing Community, and Lessons.

If you are reading this, and trying to cope with the struggle, relax and have a pen and pencil ready. There is much to think about here and you will want to take notes.
Many thanks to Albert Hsu and to God. I have learned some important facts for grieving. May it help you all in your grieving.

 loissibley@ireviewreligiousbks