Owning Grief
Discovering Gifts in Loss
Gael Garbarino Cullen
After the unexpected and life-shattering loss of my young husband, I coped with despair, anxiety, and depression, navigating an uncertain future for myself and our four young daughters. Ironically in the course of my grief journey, I discovered gifts in my loss, gifts that fueled my determination and resilience to survive, to hope and to grow.
A Harvard psychologist once wrote, “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering.” Grief comes with all kinds of loss, certainly death, but also divorce, illness, loss of a job or career, broken relationships, and so many other life challenges.
I hope by sharing my story, you too will discover gifts to help you find ways to triumph over loss.
About the Book
My memoir reveals how, amid the unspeakable grief resulting from the sudden death of my 40-year old husband, I discovered gifts that ultimately helped me not merely survive, but to fashion a new path forward for myself and my family. This is a very personal and compelling story of resilience and determination. Strength and resolve are gifts that resulted from owning my grief. Post-traumatic growth is possible. Hope is possible.
The Gift of Writing
Listen as the author, Gael Garbarino Cullen, explains her motivation for writing the book.
Book Chapters
Owning Grief includes these chapters, along with a Reader’s Guide for Leading Group Discussions
1 - The Journey Begins
2 - Life As We Knew It
3 - The Funeral
4 - Muteness
5 - Loneliness
6 - Uncertainty
7 - Fear
8 - Depression
9 - Anxiety
10 - Anger
11 - Accepting Help
12 - Dating
13 - The Many Firsts
14 - Cancer
15 - Growing Beyond Grief
16 - The Bicycle Accident
17 - One Step Forward
18 - Gifts
19 - Legacy
20 - Evolution
Readers’ Discussion Guide
Audio Previews
These audio clips are excerpts from several chapters of the book, selected and read by the author.
What Others Are Saying About the Book
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![A young woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing gold hoop earrings, against a neutral background.]()
As soon as I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
★★★★★
This book is a gift and resonated with me, capturing the rawness and honesty of grief. It offers a unique perspective on loss through the eyes of a single mother, helping me understand my mom's experience better. I believe this book will provide comfort to many others.
Natalie K. Sanchez, Author
The Language of Loss -
![A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a suit and tie, standing against a blue background.]()
A resource and inspiration to anyone who has lost a loved one.
★★★★★
It unflinchingly takes readers through the long and inevitably difficult stages of grief – and yet offers hope that the future can be yours again.
Most meaningfully, it shows that faith, support, and resilience can give you a new sense of self.
Steve Radowski, Grieving Parent
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![A senior woman with short white hair and glasses, wearing a blue top, smiling gently, with her hand touching her chin.]()
I am so happy this will be available to other widows.
★★★★★
The author transformed her grief from the sudden death of her husband into strength, meeting the challenges of single parenthood. "Owning Grief" is an inspiring lesson in overcoming adversity and achieving resilience, presented in a straightforward and captivating manner.
Judy Higgs, MA Counseling Psychology and Co-coordinator, Parish Widows’ Ministry
Public Presentations
Ideas and Impact
In addition to the content on this website, Gael finds joy in helping others by sharing the concept of owning grief through appearances at bookstores, churches, and other public venues. Examples of such content and her presentation style are available in the video trailers linked below. You can also view a full-length video of one of her public presentations by emailing her.
About the Author
Gael Garbarino Cullen
Gael is an accomplished writer and video producer as well as a longtime TV and radio news reporter who covered everything from presidential politics to World Series baseball during her career.
She loves rock and roll and is an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan —a nod to her hometown roots. And she’s passionate about running—not too far or too fast—although she did manage to muscle through two marathons.
She lives and works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she is lucky enough to share time with her four daughters and their families, including a growing number of grandchildren who call her “Gigi.”
Gael with her four adult daughters.
Gigi’s growing group of “Grands".
Get Your Copy
Owning Grief is available in print, audiobook, and ebook formats.These trusted websites offer the book for sale or allow you to search for booksellers near you.
