Jerry W Burns

Good Grief Jerry W Burns

I'm a writer. In the past, I wrote to know I was not not alone. Now I write because I am alone. Almost 12 months ago, Gloria Kelley Burns, my wife of 51 years, died. Within two or three days of her death, I decided to handle my grief by writing and painting. I determined that in the 12 months after the death, I would write and record my thoughts, stories, essays and my take on sacred writings and things theological. My intention at that time was to take the 12 months of writing and assign the collection the status of a book-Good Grief. Over 200 pages later, I'm still alone and remembering. I have learned the value of good grief, remembering the good times. I have learned there is not a universal set of rules for proper grieving. But most importantly, to always love the one who has died, and use the foundation of good memories upon which to build a new life. This then, is the collection of writings following Gloria's death. Each chapter stands alone-a story, essay, memoir or my understanding of things related to theology and Sacred Scripture. It is my hope that this collection will honor the extraordinary and exceptional life of Gloria Kelley Burns and one man's efforts to cope with grief.