This is the story of Noel who lost Maris, his beloved wife of forty-two years, to suicide following years of struggling with depression.
The abrupt ending of life can be the most catastrophic of events for those left behind. Survivors experience intense pain and massive guilt. Grief banishes survivors to a place so removed from the normal hurly-burly of every day life that they feel close to madness. Somehow, they have to claw their way back.
Noel accepted there was no way around his anguish and met suffering head on. his pain allowed him to discover the richness within him and to grow in wisdom which he hopes might be of benefit to others.
Maris' death did not shut her out of Noel's life. She remains a very real presence. This is a love story with a difference.
Excerpt
Her eyes are open
But she cannot see
Beyond he black veil
Drawn across her world
She longs for the bright sun
To shine upon her earth
And banish the bleak dark shadows.
She longs for the gentle breeze
To lift the heavy curtain
That hides the good things in her life
But all she can feel
Are bleak cold winds
That chill her to the soul.
Noel Braun-2004
Professional Reviews
Barbara Hocking, SANE Australia
An involving account of the devastation, guilt and pain commonly experienced by people bereaved by suicide. it is a moving love story and a tale of resilience, offering reassurance and a sense of hope to others similarly bereaved.
Michelle Linn-Gust American Association of Suicidology
Noel Braun gives us the honour of travelling his suicide grief journey after the loss of his beloved wife Maris. He lets us walk with him and understand the devastation that suicide brings and his road of learning to find hope again.
Kate Friis, Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Noel takes us into his innermost thoughts, feelings and emotions as he describes, with incredible love and candour, 'losing' his Maris. Noel's story is immensely powerful and the depth and duration of his grief is testament to his enduring love for Maris.
After a long awaited weekend visitation caused by false allegations of sexual abuse, Glen got to see his children for the first time in over two months. He promised them that they would never be apart again and then they disappeared.
