Gratitude In Grief chronicles a mother’s journey into the unimaginable, the death of her son. The book is a personal journal of reflection in the days following the death, and the unexpected approach she took in dealing with her grief that changed her forever. To the surprise of many, this mother made a choice to look for “one little thing” to be thankful for each day while coping with her loss. This daily gratitude changed the process of her grief, but also sparked a reflection on life, purpose and faith that has changed the author forever. By documenting the events surrounding her son’s death in the days and months afterwards, Kelly Buckley gives readers a first hand glimpse at the unbreakable bonds of love, the power of gratitude and the freedom that purpose in your life grants you. Through heartache and humor it provides hope and a nontraditional path through grief for those suffering loss in their own lives. An absolute read for anyone experiencing loss and a wake up call for others to be present in your life, to listen to your inner voice, and to live your life to the fullest.
Kelly Buckley
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Kelly Buckley is an author and speaker who, through the power of words, has connected with thousands of people worldwide. Her mission? To have a conversation about life, gratitude, compassion and resilience, in the hopes of helping others navigate through both the hills and valleys of their own lives. Kelly has published two books, Gratitude in Grief, and Just One Little Thing. She also launched a global Facebook community for Just One Little Thing. With over 10,000 members and growing, the premise is simple; take a moment each day to focus on one little thing you are thankful for, repeat, and a thankful life will start to grow. The group focuses on gratitude, compassion and resilience, and improving our world, just one little thing at a time. Kelly lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband Brady, her son Brendan, and Rudy, their Wonder Dog.
My son, Matthew died last Wednesday. He was 39. My grief is overwhelming, but talking to others in the same situation has given me comfort. If anyone would like to e-mail I would be so very grateful. Thank you Jean
My daughter died 5 months ago of cancer. Somedays the grief is bearable but somedays it is overwhelming. I know time is a healer but how long are we talking about?
My daughter lived a much too short 2 1/2 days and I, too, found that gratitude and thanksgiving were part of my daily path to healing. Can’t wait to check out your book and site. I invite you to take a look at mine (Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm)
On June 7, 2010 is the most horrific and devastating day of my life…my 17-years old son Bubba in gun accident. His the most kind, loving, gentle giant (6 foot tall), and so pure…never smoke, never took any kinds of drugs, never have sex, never cursed on anybody, and very obedient.
I know that he doesn’t like to go to school since his younger sister left for college. They were buddies and did a lot of things together. They were both homeschool, so I know no one bullied him or pressured him into anything he doesn’t like. He told me himself that he didn’t want to go to school which I agree, because I know his depressed for a long time, his very quiet and stayed in his room most of the time. We tried to talk to him and asked him to speak up and tell us what on his mind. He expressed to me that all he wants was to go to work and don’t want to go to school. I told him it’s ok, his still young and I know one day he will change his mind and go to school, just as his older sister has done. I understand that. But because his a minor, we still have to educate him. I know he felt pressured by other family members to go to school and be prepared to be on his own.
On that horrible day when we found him laying in his room, my husband was hysterical and crying. He asked me to pray for our son so that he will go to heaven and not hell. I told him that our son knows Jesus and he will go to heaven…I told my son I won’t let him go.
The ambulance came and took him to the hospital. We went and see him, I was holding his forehead and his heart crying…I told him that I won’t let him go even though they pronounced him dead. His Spirit left his body. I cried out to God and said, “I won’t let you go Bubba, I will not let you go, Lord I won’t let him go, I believe every Word of God and I believe in miracles… but nothing changed…his body still lays dead…although I can feel him with me. They pulled out of the emergency room after a while. We left the hospital and went home.
I went to my room and prayed, asking God to give him back to me and that I won’t let go off my son. My Spirit is so sad, my mind is asking why, how, and my body won’t go to sleep.
On June 8, 2010 I have been crying and begging for the Lord to give my son back to me all day long. No sleep and don’t want to eat. I saw several visions of my son…I can’t tell all of them right now what I saw…but God’s willing I will one day.
On June 9, 2010 while his body lays dead in the hospital, my family are talking about the funeral. I couldn’t do it, because I am still holding on to Gods promise. I want a “Lazarus miracles”. I went outside our house, looking up to heaven I asked God to give my son back to me. A few minutes later my mother-in-law came outside and asked me if she can pray for me. I said, “ok”. She hold my hands and start praying to herself. I didn’t heared what she prayed for except Amen, so I said, “Amen”. Then she went inside the house.
My children, daughter-in-law, and future son-in-law, and I decided to go to walk to the beach. While at the beach my children are talking to each other, I looked up to Heaven and start praying in my Spirit, asking the Lord about my son and that I won’t let Bubba go. Suddenly I saw Bubba standing beside the Lord Jesus facing each other and they’re almost the same height. Bubba turned his face to me then turned his face back to Jesus. Then the Lord Jesus said, “My son don’t want to go back.” Then I said, “But Lord his my son”. He replied, “I only gave him to you.”