Harnessing Grief

The inspiring story of a mother who took unimaginable tragedy and used her grief as a force to do good by transforming the lives of others. When Maria Kefalas’s daughter Calliope was diagnosed with a degenerative, uncurable genetic disease, the last thing Maria expected to discover in herself was a superpower. She and her husband, Pat, were head over heels in love with their youngest daughter, whose spirit, dancing eyes, and appetite for life captured the best of each of them. When they learned that Cal had MLD (metachromatic leukodystrophy), their world was shattered. But as she spent time listening to and learning from Cal, Maria developed the superpower of grief. It made her a fearless warrior for her daughter. And it gave her voice a bell-like clarity—poignant and funny all at once. This superpower of grief also revealed a miracle—not the conventional sort that fuels the prayers of friends and strangers but a realization that, in order to save themselves, Maria and Pat would need to find a way to save others. And so, with their two older children, they set out to raise money so that they, in their son PJ’s words, could “find a cure for Cal’s disease.” They had no way of knowing that a research team in Italy was closing in on an effective gene therapy for MLD. Though the therapy came too late to help Cal, this news would be the start of an unexpected journey that would introduce Maria and her family to world-famous scientists, brilliant doctors, biotech CEOs, a Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, and a wise nun, and it would also involve selling 50 thousand cupcakes. They would travel to the FDA, the NIH, and the halls of Congress in search of a cure that would never save their child. And their lives would become inextricably intertwined with the families of 13 children whose lives would be transformed by the biggest medical breakthrough in a generation. A memoir about heartbreak that is also about joy, Harnessing Grief is both unsparing and generous. Steeped in love, it is a story about possibility.

What does it mean to "harness" grief? When faced with the tragic loss of a loved one, we can find a path that strengthens us, utilizes our experiences, and continues a meaningful relationship with that person. Author Alexandra McGroarty learned how to do so and is now gratified to share her insights. With her earned understanding, Alexandra offers her judgment-free, open-hearted, and fair-minded approach to living with and moving through grief, in whatever form it may take, in whatever way you choose.

A groundbreaking account of ancient Greek funerary sculpture and its emotional effects In this lyrically written and beautifully illustrated study, Seth Estrin probes the emotional effects of one of the largest and most important categories of Greek sculpture: the funerary monuments of Classical Athens. Instead of simply documenting experiences of bereavement, he demonstrates that funerary monuments played a vital role in giving grief visual and material presence, employing the subtle effects of relief sculpture to make private experiences of loss socially meaningful to others. By identifying the deaths they marked as worthy of grief, funerary monuments mobilized fundamental questions about sculptural form and pictorial recognition to political ends, instrumentalizing the emotional dimensions of sculpture as a means to construct and uphold social hierarchies. Grounded in careful study of numerous monuments, new readings of their accompanying epigrams and ancient literary sources, and close consideration of both ancient and modern theories of emotion, Grief Made Marble makes a landmark contribution not only to the study of Greek sculpture, but to our broader understanding of the relationship between art and emotion in antiquity.

Are you seeking to unlock the enigmatic realms of dark magic? Have you ever wondered how ancient secrets can be used to enhance personal power? Does the idea of tapping into the shadowy forces of nature intrigue you? This guide provides a profound exploration into the depths of mystical practices, guiding readers through the intricate pathways that lead to mastering unseen energies. Here is what you can expect from this enlightening read: · Understanding Dark Magic: Delve into the foundational principles of these arcane arts and discover how they differ from more commonly known mystical practices. · Practical Applications: Uncover practical methods for harnessing these forces in everyday life to achieve both personal and professional goals. · Historical Insights: Gain insights into the historical context, including the origins and the notable figures who have mastered these esoteric techniques. · Psychological Aspects: Explore the psychological implications and benefits of integrating these powerful practices into your personal growth strategy. · Ethical Considerations: Navigate the ethical concerns and responsibilities that come with wielding such potent knowledge. By delving into this guide, you are invited to embark on a journey that not only educates but also empowers. This book serves as a gateway to understanding and utilizing the powers that lie in the darker, unexplored corners of magic. Unlock your potential and explore the depths of your own power through the teachings and practices outlined in this captivating guide. Step into the shadows with confidence and curiosity, mastering the art of personal transformation.

Would you believe me if I told you that now that your loved one has died, you are in transition? That's right! I like to think of your grief as a "transition" to your new self and new life. It's no secret, this experience completely changed you and you'll never be the same. I am here to coach you through this transitional phase of your life. I've dedicated my life to seeing that people just like you are able to grieve the loss of your loved one freely. I will walk you through multiple exercises to help you begin to heal. You will learn exactly what it means to truly mourn and grieve in a healthy way. I'm calling a foul play on going along with a "passed down" culture of "dealing" with the death of your loved one. Its time to transform your entire thought process of what you thought it meant to grieve and create a path that will not only benefit you but those around you. What you will find here is a strategic and carefully thought out plan to assist you in beginning to move forward in the presence of your grief. I wish I could tell you that you won't feel a thing on this ride but that wouldn't be the truth. I would love to take the pain away completely during this journey and blast it into another realm but is that realistic? This will be a journey different than those you've traveled before and will take your whole self to push forward. You've gotten this far, trust me you can go further.

Being a mission-driven leader is hard. Being a mission-driven leader who knows how to navigate the emotions of loss and grief connected to leadership is harder still. It takes a vulnerable leader to lead well—one who has faced into their own losses and can let those losses equip their character for God’s greater plans. Not all leaders are willing. Not all leaders are able. Yet, according to David Woolverton, leaders’ vulnerability to the emotional processes of grief is essential for the overall health of the organizations they lead and for the well-being—and discipleship—of those under their direction. Grief, he says, is best viewed as a mosaic, where each of our significant losses forms a constellation of tiles that, when seen together over time, helps tell a story of God’s redemptive love, grace, and mission—a story desperately needed within today’s post-pandemic angst. Using Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) as a guide, along with five biblical prophet “mentors,” Woolverton presents five strategies to equip pastors and leaders in negotiating with their losses to attain organizational resilience, sustainability, and vibrancy.

The Tudor era has long been associated with the rise of nationalism in England, yet nationalist writing in this period often involved the denigration and outright denial of Englishness. Philip Schwyzer argues that the ancient, insular, and imperial nation imagined in the works of writers such as Shakespeare and Spenser was not England, but Britain. Disclaiming their Anglo-Saxon ancestry, the English sought their origins in a nostalgic vision of British antiquity. Focusing on texts including The Faerie Queene, English and Welsh antiquarian works, The Mirror for Magistrates, Henry V and King Lear, Schwyzer charts the genesis, development and disintegration of British nationalism in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. An important contribution to the expanding scholarship on early modern Britishness, this study gives detailed attention to Welsh texts and traditions, arguing that Welsh sources crucially influenced the development of English literature and identity.