Through the Eyes of the Heart

This book is written as a memoir of 40-plus years of working with human experiences of death, grief, and bereavement. The stories are all similar but uniquely different; similar in the sense that they all relate to varying issues embedded in loss. They are different in how each of these losses occur. The author invites the reader into a world of overwhelming grief brimming with raw emotions. The stories are true and tackle the capricious and unpredictable nature of death in a society that seeks to avoid and overcome the reality of death. Most of the stories are told from the perspective of a hospital chaplain working with real people. While these stories are profoundly sad, the author invites the reader to search for and find snippets of hope through a recommitment to life and living--constantly holding before the reader the dialectic tension that exists between life and death. ""Through the Eyes of the Heart: Stories of Love and Loss is elegantly written. This set of heartfelt stories offers important insights into some major human challenges. The warmth and wisdom of the author come shining through. This book is a delight."" --Neil Thompson, Consultant; Author of Grief and its Challenges ""[This book] is autobiographical and instructive, bringing together shepherd and sheep. . . . This is an empowering book because Dan knows the might and power of holy work. Dan freely shares stories, values, and himself as he walks with others."" --Richard B. Gilbert, Adjunct faculty, Graduate School of Social and Behavioral Science, Mercy College, ""This is not only a good read, it's a human read, gathering steam and teaching us, even those of us who have been in the bereavement field for decades. You will finish this book with a new value on life and a new view on dying and death."" --Joy Johnson, Co-founder, Centering Corporation and Ted E. Bear Hollow [This book] is a wonderful read, charming, touching, and extremely powerful! The first time I read the book, I could not put it down. It was so intriguing that I simply could not stop. The second time I read it, I was still so engrossed I barely put it down, even though I knew what was coming!"" --Gerry Cox, Author; Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin ""A highly engaging work that allows the reader a rare glimpse into the heart of a caregiver. . . . The individual stories and the reflections provided in each offer a beautiful tribute to acute care professionals who devote their lives to supporting those who are crushed by traumatic events, and is a testament to the strength of compassionate care and shared humanity."" --Darcy Harris, Associate Professor/Thanatology Coordinator, King's University College, Western University The Rev. Dr. Dan Festa is presently pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marshall, Missouri. Festa served as chaplain and coordinator of bereavement services at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Throughout the last twenty-five years he has worked with several organ procurement agencies and has taught nationally and internationally on death, grief, and bereavement. Festa has published several research studies as well as stories on death, grief, dying, and bereavement.