Visual Meditations

Tragedy visits every life. Loss inflicts its toll on every human soul. Grief shatters the very beauty of one's existence. But as deep and as final as these moments seem, somehow, somewhere, hope takes hold. The emergence of hope is small at first, almost imperceptible-a tiny pinprick of light in the fabric of suffocating darkness. Then slowly but surely, there are more moments that string together like stars lighting up the night sky, and darkness gives way to light as the rising sun bursts forth to bring light and hope to the soul. Once again, there is reason to look up.

Visual artist Jo-Anne Taraba takes you on a painterly journey through the stages of grief into hope. Beginning with the hollow echo chambers of despair, her images and words trace the delicate but necessary pilgrimage we all must make to return to a place of spiritual peace and inner balance following a tragedy.

Included in this book are quotes, words of hope, and a journal for recording your own personal story. Take time to reflect on the images and words, and express your own fears and hopes as you document your unique journey through the darkness and into the light.

You have chosen the triumphant moment of your return. It is the book of hope.