23 Days: A Story of Love, Death And God

In March 2003 Francis Bridger lost his wife Renee very suddenly to cancer. During twenty-three days, she went from diagnosis to death. This tragic and untimely ending had a devastating effect on Francis for which his years of ministry and teaching had only partly prepared him. Here he explores his journey from the twenty-three days through the 14 months following. He shares extracts from his journal, kept during the weeks immediately after Renee's death, showing the daily struggle with emotions that often threatened to overwhelm and how these were intermingled with the mundane daily requirements of a life turned upside down. Letters to a close friend show how he faced his struggles with God and how his deepest Christian beliefs, although challenged, upheld him. The result is a provoking and absorbing commentary on the experience of grief and loss. 23 Days: A story of Love, Death and God gives no easy solutions to the problem of pain, rather a frank acknowledgement of how difficult are the questions that arise at times of need and suffering. At the same time, it offers hope to those in grief through its combination of honesty, humanity and faith. It will help people experiencing bereavement, as well as those involved in pastoral care and counseling for the bereaved.

Frances Bridger is principal of Trinity College, Bristol, and visiting professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling at Fuller Theological Seminary in California.