We all experience grief. Often it comes through the death of a loved one?the most recognizable type of grief. Yet, loss takes many faces and creates sorrow in multiple ways, including burying our grief in silence. Many people do not realize how powerful other losses can be--the impact on individuals. For example, the death of a pet can be overwhelming. A missing child, a home lost to fire or a tornado, firing from an enjoyable job, a divorce and loss of child custody, a long-term relationship gone sour, a terminal medical diagnosis , an unfulfilled ambition, theft of saving, abandonment, a miscarriage or abortion, and even the loss of a cherished photo or ring--all can have significant and long-term effect on a person.

The Invisible Cloak depicts eleven types of loss and several different scenarios within the category. Each area describes a situation from the words of a patient engaging in therapy. Many of these individuals have held onto their grief for years until a specific situation or reminder triggers the original emotion associated with the loss. By wearing brave faces and continuing to work or interact with others, they have managed to convey a sense that "I am okay" to the outside world. But they are not. Instead they may have suffered a variety of mental and physical problems,

The Invisible Cloak of Grief looks behind the surface of loss. It examines the cases one by one with brief suggestions from a therapist, and provides worksheets for the reader to interact with any of the situations. Each section also contains segments for writing or journaling responses to the scenarios. The Invisible Cloak of Loss is arranged so that the reader can open it to any chapter that relates to their own specific loss without have to read in any order.

Supplemental materials provide a series of coping tools to aid the reader, as well as providing topics on areas such as Anchors, Triggers, Journaling, Breaking the Silence, Roadblocks, and a Personal Plan, as well as other valuable resources.

There is no easy way to get through the shock and pain of any loss. Sometimes we mourn openly, as grief overwhelms us with its finality. Other times, we may keep our pain inside, wearing a mask, seeming to "do fine" to observers. Like many of the people inside this book, Silent Grief like an Invisible Cloak can hold us hostage until a trigger awakes us and opens the door to healing.

By recognizing the many forms of grief and the hostage it holds for many, this book offers hope for those who have long suffered in silence and provides suggestions for finding an escape and the journey and road to peace.

I have written most of my life. While still a pre-schooler, I once got in trouble for scribbling in the back of a book. I continued writing throughout school, working on high school and college newspapers, and eventually getting a BA in journalism and creative writing. I have worked as a newspaper writer and editor, as well as a variety of other jobs, such as a substitute teacher, college instructor, and even an Avon saleslady. Currently I hold two master degrees and am a Licensed Professional Counseler and Licensed Addictions Counselor, and have worked in a private prison. Currently I work for a community health clinic as a Behavioral Health Therapist. I love to read, favorites being Tony Hillerman, Henning Mankill and Patrick Taylor, as well as Steve Barry. I love music, current favorites being Celtic Thunder and Josh Groban. My pride and joy are my four children and five grandchildren. I reside in Southeast Colorado, where I continue to write. My current burning desire is a trip to Ireland. Special thank you to my sister, Sandy, for encouraging me to follow her path to Smashwords.