If you are not a person who suffers with pain, loss, disappointment or sorrow, this book may not be for you. This message is for those who have experienced all-encompassing grief, or who live with chronic illnesses. These words are meant for those who have found mind-numbing pain, and its twinâfatigue, their constant companions. I am writing to those who have tried every medical âcureâ there is, only to be greeted by disillusionment once again. (If you are not one of these people, you are welcome to observe. I invite you to learn how you might offer aid to those who suffer.) It is my prayer that you, who relate to these circumstances, feel embraced by one who suffers, yet remains determined to find joy. If we were honest, though, some days we would just settle for ânormalâ, wouldnât we? Our hearts cry out for a safe environment in which to simply be, a place where we can be real, where we can be honest. We need to be able to express not only our confusion and dismay, but also the joy at what we are learning. We need an environment of unconditional acceptance, for our discoveries of meaning and significance are molding us into a new creationâtruly a lonely process, and frightening for all involved. We are becoming authentic and need a place where we are received just as we are while on this passage. We need a place where we can try to make sense of this new journey and find meaning in our suffering. I honestly do not know a single soul that would not benefit from such a place in their lives. Can we find such a place?
