Table of Contents
Praise for James Van Praagh and the #1New York TimesBestseller TALKING TO HEAVEN
There is a great spiritual hunger in America. Van Praagh shows us how eager each of us is to find some measure of transcendence as we make our way through this world.... [He] has changed peoples lives, banished the fear of death, and brought grieving parents the solace of their dead childrens presence.... It is impossible not to be moved.
Newsweek
This is a wonderful and uplifting book, and I highly recommend it. If you have ever feared death or grieved the loss of a loved one, James Van Praaghs spiritual stories and lessons will heal your heart. He is without a doubt one of the most gifted mediums on the planet at this time. This inspiring book is a must-read.
Brian L. Weiss, M.D.,
author of Many Lives, Many Masters
Anyone questioning life after death must read Talking to Heaven. It not only confirms a spiritual world but gives inspiration to eliminate the fear of loss. This loving work also gives guidance to opening your own ability in communicating with those who have returned home.
Dannion Brinkley,
author of At Peace in the Light
OTHER BOOKS BY JAMES VAN PRAAGH
Talking to Heaven
Reaching to Heaven
New American Library
Published by New American Library, a division of
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Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Previously published in a Dutton edition.
First New American Library Printing, April 2001
Copyright Spiritual Horizons, Inc., 2000. All rights reserved.
The Dash copyright Linda M. Ellis, 1998. Lindas Lyrics,
4177B Bankhead Hwy., Lithia Springs, GA 30122; www.lindaslyrics.com.
Dearest Mommy, excerpt from Dear Cheyenne, copyright Joanne Cacciatore, 1997.
The Rainbow Bridge copyright Steven and Diane Bodofsky, 1998. All rights
reserved. The New Rainbow Bridge, 389 Clair Road, Southampton, PA 18966;
www.newrainbowbridge.com.
REGISTERED TRADEMARKMARCA REGISTRADA
eISBN : 978-1-101-12811-4
Van Praagh, James.
Healing grief: reclaiming life after any loss / James Van Praagh.
p. cm.
Originally published: New York : Dutton, 2000
Includes bibliographical references
eISBN : 978-1-101-12811-4
1. GriefMiscellanea. 2. DeathMiscellanea. 3. Loss (Psychology)Miscellanea. 4. Spiritualism. I. Title.
BF1275.D2 V36 2001
155.937dc21
00-048204
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
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I dedicate this book to all who have experienced a life-altering loss.
It is my hope that, in some small way, the words printed on these pages
will help calm your storm and make way for a sunny tomorrow.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am not only blessed to interact with heavenly angels, but am fortunate to meet earthly ones as well. Here are just a few who have guided and assisted me in bringing this book to you:
Allan Van PraaghThank you, Dad, for believing in me. You have taught me that kindness and love are the only ways to make a heart grow.
Lynn, Michael, and MauraWe each walk our own path, but it is comforting to know we are sharing the destiny together.
Linda Carwin ThomchinYour patience, grace, and fortitude have kept me going. Thank you for always giving my words that extra ring.
Brian PrestonYou make my heart overflow. Thank you for the peace and love you have brought to my life.
Bill and Donna Moller, Marie Levine, Joerdie and Eric Fisher, members of The Compassionate Friends, and all of those parents who have shared your heartfelt pain. Thank you for being a source of courage, strength, and knowledge to so many. I am forever grateful for your assistance in spreading heavens eternal message.
Peter RedgroveYou are a soulful friend and teacher. Thank you for always encouraging me that nothing is impossible.
Eby Jorge KabaYour friendship, loyalty, and kindness can only be measured by the brightness of the stars. Only you know how to make them shine.
Joan MillerThank you for your random acts of kindness and a smile to match.
Dorothea DelgadoYou are my soul sister and Earth mother. Thank you for sharing this circle of life.
Wendy RosenthalMy life has not been the same since you touched me with your joyful enthusiasm and your unique zest for life.
To everyone I have met through readings, lectures; book tours, chats, seminars, trips, and letters. Thank you, kind souls, for connecting with me and recognizing the truth within yourselves.
INTRODUCTION
For many years I have been blessed to be an instrument for people to contact their loved ones on the other side. As I look back on these experiences, I realize that the unique encounters with the spiritual realms, together with my own lifes lessons, were part of the preparation of writing the book you are about to read. As someone who has been enlightened by the insightful perspectives of those who have crossed onto the shores of the spiritual lands, I share this guide with you to assist in your healing of grief and loss.