Having lost my beloved wife at the end of 2010, I understand the pain that's experienced when a spouse or partner gets carried away by death. Stricken with an acute form of Leukemia, Malinda became very ill. I never really believed that she'd die; she was too healthy, and we were way too much in love for her to go anywhere. I moved into the hospital with her so that I could be her support until she recovered and we would finally be able to go home. It was about five months from the time we first entered the hospital that I began to wonder if she might not overthrow the cancerous curse that plagued her. I began to wonder what I'd do if she really did go away. What does a man do when his better half is taken from him? I knew that if she died I'd be devastated, but I had no idea of the degree of pain I would soon be experiencing. Throughout Malinda's hospital stay, I often told her that if I could, I'd take the pain away from her. It was on December 16th, 2010 that she lost the battle, and I had to keep my promise; it was time for me to take the pain. I hurt so badly. I knew that suicide was not the answer, yet it beckoned me daily. I desperately searched my universe for comfort in any other form-anything that would help me breathe again. After a great deal of pain, suffering and soul searching, I began to discover how to avoid some of the land mines" that would suddenly bombard my brain each time I felt like I might be able to go on. I was able to learn how to cope, and eventually I knew that I could go on surviving. I also knew that it was my responsibility to help others who were passing through the same type of agony. What I went through doesn't make me an expert on dealing with grief-it makes me a survivor with a story to tell. A story, in fact, that will be of great help to those who find themselves mourning the loss of a spouse, partner or of anyone they loved. Filling Empty is a book of hope. It explains how to fill a heart once it's been emptied. It's the book that I wish I'd had when Malinda transitioned from body to spirit. It's a compilation of experiences that I passed through, as well as those of others who have endured the same type of loss. It is also a reminder that our loved ones are still nearby, and how we can recognize and enhance our awareness of their spiritual presence. Filling Empty is designed to help the reader realize that: • They are not alone-many are passing through the same type of pain • Their loved ones have not gone far-their spirits linger nearby • There really is happiness after loss-the light at the tunnel that seems so absent, will eventually be visible Each year approximately 56 million people die, leaving loved ones behind to grieve their loss. So many of these grievers don't know where to turn; nor do they know how to seek the relief for which they so long. They can be happy again, but they must first learn how to fill their empty hearts.
