Grief is the emotion that cannot be escaped when we lose someone we love.

A Handrail for Healing provides a way for people who are grieving to process those overwhelming feelings of loss, confusion, and darkness by responding to songs, short messages, and emotional cues, and then writing down how that feels. This journal's open do-it-yourself format will help the bereaved work through their thoughts and feelings in their own way and their own time.

"Without doubt, this extraordinary journal will be a great resource for many people. It is wide open and inclusive, going to the rough edges and the soft embrace of grace." —Dr. David Hawkinson, pastoral counselor, former consultant to grief support coalitions and trainer for hospice bereavement workers

Judith Feist is a small-town Wisconsin farm girl who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a master's degree in English. She has taught in public schools, sold real estate, directed Sunday school programs and a child-care center.

Since the death of her second husband in 2013, she has survived two bouts with lymphoma. It was due to her own experience with death during this period that she wrote and compiled this journal for those who are dealing with grief.

"Without doubt, this extraordinary journal will be a great resource for many people. It is wide open and inclusive, going to the rough edges and the soft embrace of grace." - Dr. David Hawkinson, pastoral counselor, former consultant to grief support coalitions and trainer for hospice bereavement workers

"As a faith community nurse, I have had the privilege of walking along-side many in the midst of deep loss and grief. This journal gives readers permission to grieve in their own unique way and provides a non-judgmental, loving road map for them to follow. Beautifully written." - Sondra Weinzierl, RN, MA, faith community nurse

"It's hard to process grief. Should you focus on positive memories? Should you accept and embrace the pain? How long will it take? How much will it hurt? There are no easy answers, and no one can tell you how to grieve. But this journal can help you work through your specific thoughts, feelings, and experiences in your own way and in your own time." - David Rendall, speaker and author of "The Freak Factor"

"Over fifty years ago, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross was the first to give us a way to sort through the emotional upheaval that happens after a loss, yet we can still use some guidance. Knowing there is no 'right' way to grieve, and that each loss is different, we must find our own place and direction. Judith Feist uses her experience to assist us in this process. This journal offers structure without being confining, and freedom without being confusing. Using Kübler-Ross's five stages, along with music, one can become more aware of emotions, and Feist adds a method to allow users to express their depth. This is an aid to healing. If you have suffered a loss of a loved one, home, job, or way of life, this book is for you." - Rev. Dr. Karen Zutz Rendall

"The format is provocative and welcoming. Judith Feist has shared part of her soul." - Rev. Dr. Rolland Robinson