Wide My Ocean, Deep My Grief

About the Book

"...I never knew someone could write with so much understanding and compassion. Much of what she expressed mirrored so much of what I was dealing with... I am truly blessed."
- Patricia Paulson, lost her soul-mate two years ago to cancer

Have you lost someone so close that the bottom seems to have fallen out of your world? Are you tossing in a very deep and wide ocean of grief? Do you just want some comfort, company and some ways to cope with your grief?

This book of the heart shares a personal grieving story. The author shares her experience, as she and her husband grieved the loss of their young daughter. She shares openly and honestly of their experiences. She speaks to ways of coping with grief and brings some hope to what can seem like such a hopeless experience.

Her experience as both a counselor and a parent gives her writing both a personal and professional edge. The author has also experienced the losses that come with having a special needs son as well the loss of a child in the womb. Death and loss is no stranger to her.

This book describes the deep ocean of grief that may seem impossible to survive from... yet you can find healing also if you remain open to it.

"This was the most difficult thing I have ever experienced. I never dreamed I could have healed as I have. It was even more amazing to me that new life could come out of so deep a pain in amongst the void of such deep loss. For this I am ever grateful.

"It is my hope that you will find some hope, comfort and company for your ocean of grief in amongst the pages of this book and our story."

About the Author

Bev began her work as an elementary school teacher primarily in grade three. She also taught junior and senior high school.

Although she loved being with the kids and teaching them, she felt a strong calling to go into the field of counseling. Thus began her many years of training to be certified as a counselor.

Bev was certified as a Pastoral Counseling Specialist in 1998 with the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education. (PCE Specialist/CAPPE)

She had previously achieved an advanced level in the same organization in the field of pastoral care. (CPE Advanced Level/CAPPE)

For many years Bev has contracted as a therapist to folks of all ages in individual, family and marriage counseling. Although Bev counsels people from many walks of life through many different issues, she has a unique interest and expertise in journeying with folks who are grieving.

Her interest in the grieving process was born through her own grieving experiences. Bev is no stranger to the grieving process as she has experienced loss in many different ways.

She lost a child in the womb through miscarriage and has a special needs son born with Down Syndrome (which is a loss of its own). She has also experienced deep loss through the death of her daughter. Along with these losses she has experienced the losses of other dear relatives and friends.

Her personal journey with grief and the healing process has given Bev a unique viewpoint for gently guiding others in their grieving process.

This is enhanced by the shared journeys of those she counsels as well as her grieving friends. Bev served as a hospital chaplain in her residency and other training where she was met with many types of grief and loss. It is from this place that she shares in her writing and her work.

Along with her work with grieving clients in her practice, Bev set up a website for grieving people and sends out monthly grief connection letter to hundreds of grieving people free of charge. This can be accessed through her sites: www.copewithgrieving.com and www.grievingpoems.com

Bev continues to write in the area of grieving and sells her both of her recent books on line as e-books. She is currently working on a book on miscarriage which will be out this winter and at that time, will be announced in her monthly grief connection letter.

Along with her work with grief, Bev teaches as an adjunct faculty at a college in the area of counseling and psychology. She has taught and supervised ÒStephen MinistriesÓ as well as worked with youth within the church.

Bev has worked many years with men and women dealing with family violence. Most of this time was spent as a co-therapist for a men's group as well as working with individuals and couples in counseling. She has facilitated many different types of groups. She especially enjoys facilitating groups.

Bev has just completed the course work to become a Diaconal Minister within the Lutheran Church where she will continue her work with people dealing with pain and loss.

Bev plans to move into spiritual direction in the near future. Additionally, she plans to expand her ministry to grieving people by being open to accepting more frequent public speaking engagements, as well as leading workshops in the area of grieving. Please contact Bev at bev@copewithgrieving.com to make arrangements or for more information.

On a more personal note, Bev loves to spend time with her family. She simply loves her shared role as a parent to their special needs son and their adopted daughter. Their favorite family activity is camping.

Bev is caring, soulful and present in her ministry. As she says in the forward of her book...she hopes her writing and ministry will be a comfort, company and hope to people who are grieving in such difficult times.

She wants to help people to be present to their grieving process so that they can heal and find a way to dance...in amongst their losses.

People who know Bev find her to be down to earth, authentic and easy to be with. She loves the outdoors, camping, music, sports and people. Her faith in God is at the centre of her being and it is from there that she chooses to minister and live.

It is her deepest desire that people around her know that they are loved and that there is a hope and a future in their lives even midst deep loss.

Contact Information for Bev Swanson:
bev@copewithgrieving.com
www.copewithgrieving.com