Remember, It’s OK: Loss of a Sibling  or Friend  

“ I didn’t know what to expect when I opened the pages of this book. I lost a dear friend of mine last year. It has been a hard year. This book was a welcome comfort.

The ‘moments,’ the little snapshots into someone else’s life and grief, are freeing. They are easy to read. I can see myself and my experience in so many of them. Some of them I read once or twice. I can see myself coming back to them on difficult days.

I love the blank page suggestions. So much of the experience after a loss is about actually feeling lost oneself, unable to know what to do next. These concrete suggestions are a gentle nudge forward.

The moments give me the sense that I am not alone in my feelings, especially the guilty ones I don’t like to talk about. Like how I didn’t feel acknowledged, how I felt like an outsider looking in, even though my friend was really important in my life. This has been very comforting.

The green moments are hopeful, and they made me feel lighter. Even if I wasn’t there yet, it was lovely to know that it’s coming someday. And that it can get better in turquoise and pale blue was a gift. For now, the red, orange, and yellow moments help me to know I’m OK, and I needed to hear that.

Reading these moments and suggestions actually made me take notes about how to be a better friend to those around me grieving the loss of a friend or sibling. I also had a few thoughts about gifting certain items to dear friends in my will.

Thank you for writing this book. It has helped my heart.”

- Jennifer Hawkins, Registered Nurse

Inside: Remember, It’s OK: Loss of a Sibling  or Friend  

Foreward

In one brief moment, a phone call propelled me into a journey and a new way of living that I was unprepared for. This phone call marked the day that I found out about my sister’s unexpected death. I have grieved loved ones and walked alongside others while they have grieved as part of my work as a clinical therapist, but my sister’s death unraveled my world and in the process of rebuilding taught me how to live.

If you are reading this book, Remember, It’s OK: Loss of a Sibling or Friend, you have undoubtedly experienced grief in some way. Whether you have lost a loved one yourself or know someone who is walking their own grief journey, you may be looking for a kindred spirit, some guidance, or wisdom to help you navigate. You will find that in this book, Remember, It’s OK.

This book emulates the many different seasons of grief represented through a spectrum of colours that connects you to where you are on your own grief journey. Remember, It’s OK gives those who are grieving affirmation and comfort. When I first read it, I was surprised by its simplicity, yet in returning to it again and again I discovered something new each time. There is wisdom and support tucked magically into these pages. I could imagine every person sharing their narrative and unique space of grief.

My professional training has provided me with the psychology of grief and strategies to help others process through their grief, but at times I have found this is not enough. I had to learn through the loss of my sister that giving grief space has to simply “be.” This book gives permission for those in grief to just “be” without judgement or expectation of where to move next. Marina and Marian are compassionate and patient while the griever shares their story and then responds with messages of “I see you; I hear you, your grief is important.” This is hugely important and often forgotten as part of the healing process. Thank you for this wisdom.

Remember, It’s OK is a rare book, deeply connected to the profound experiences of losing a friend or sibling. Through the sharing of deeply personal “Moments,” this book allows the many voices of grief to be heard and offers reassurance and support wherever you may find yourself or your loved one within its pages.

I loved the book and believe its message will have an impact on those who read it.

In Healing,

Sarah Sytsma

B.A., M.S.W. Clinical Therapist