To Grief With Love: A lyrical and pictorial voyage through loss - Paperback

by Zoe Strickland (Author)

TO GRIEF WITH LOVE is a beautifully formatted art book that airs grief in all its forms and complexities. The book is a compilation of Zoe's Grief Room diaries, woven with heartachingly expressive sketches, poetry and prose. They come together as a beautiful gift of comfort and partnering. This book honours all the real and raw emotions experienced in grief, yet is filled with light, hope, and most of all love. A hug in a book.

Through the death of her son by suicide, and the heart wrenching loss that followed, To Grief with Love was born. The work began as a diary, exploring and honouring the complex passage of grief, in a unique and cathartic way. The book is now published as a compassionate labour of love that resonates widely with anyone feeling their own way through grief and loss. A simple stick character, known as Doodle Lady, became Zoe's grief self. Her breathtakingly evocative sketches are accompanied by poignant poetry and prose. They express all the real and raw emotions experienced in grief, but in a way that suggests hope, spiritual inspiration and peace. The reader is invited to open their own Grief Room door, to go gently, and know they are not alone.

A sojourn in grief; an eternity in love.

PRAISE FOR TO GRIEF WITH LOVE

"Zoe shares her journey with loss and grief with such openness, honesty and compassion. Her drawings speak volumes where words can so often fail; her words have an utterly relatable truth and wisdom in them; both come together like a supportive hand offered in a dark and painful time. To Grief With Love is a beautiful gift of healing and comfort; a valuable companion on a difficult path we will all ultimately share." Philip Carr-Gomm, Author of The Gift of the Night: A Six Step Program for Better Sleep

"Cathartic, open, honest, inspiring, relevant. Deepest thanks." Sue Koelle, bereaved mum

"To Grief With Love is a quiet marvel, a tender unfolding of griefs many shapes. Through her words, and the simplicity of her Doodle Lady Sketches, Zoe reminds us to sit with what is hard, to let it teach us, soften us and deepen our sense of love. This is a book of gentle wisdom, where the ordinary becomes sacred, and even in our sorrow the heart finds room to breathe." Jo O' Callaghan, Transpersonal psychotherapist

"This book will provide comfort to those who experience loss in a multitude of ways, and will allow a glimpse into this world for those who need to provide support to others." Amanda Roberts - General Practitioner

"'To Grief With Love is truly a gift to the world. It offers profound nourishment for the soul to all those navigating grief, providing comfort and a gentle friendship, especially in those moments when you feel so alone. This book is a compassionate companion, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of grief, theirs and other people's." Debi Roberts CEO The OLLIE Foundation.org (One life Lost Is Enough)