Books

Every story of grief deserves to be heard. Every grieving heart deserves hope.

Shining a Light on Grief is a heartfelt collection of personal stories from eleven courageous authors who open their hearts to share the love they experienced, the loss they endured, and the journey that followed.

No two stories are alike because no two grief journeys are the same. Yet woven throughout these pages is a common thread of resilience, compassion, and the reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or walking alongside someone who is, may these stories offer comfort, understanding, and hope as you navigate your own path.

Hope grows stronger when we realize we are not alone.

Shining a Light on Grief, Volume Two continues the journey with ten new authors who courageously share their personal stories of love, loss, and learning to live forward while honoring those they cherish.

Each chapter offers a unique perspective, reminding us that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. While every journey is different, each story carries the power to comfort, encourage, and gently remind us that healing unfolds in its own time.

Whether you are newly grieving or have carried your loss for many years, these heartfelt stories offer compassion, connection, and hope for the road ahead.

Gloria Gemma’s Forever in Our Hearts brings you the stories of ten courageous people who share their vulnerable stories of love and loss, how their loss changed their lives, and how life continues in the wake of their loss. Their intent is that their story offers hope and inspiration to the reader.

The Gloria Gemma Foundation states in the introduction that, “Grief is a unique and often muddy creature. It is defined as ‘deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death,’ but grief can be more than an emotion; it can impact our physical, behavioral, and spiritual wellbeing. Some people deal with their loss and move forward, while others seem perpetually fixed in a state of mourning, unable to experience true happiness—even years after their loss.”

In these stories, you’ll discover:

• That you’re not in it alone
• Inspiration to take action
• Each story of grief is unique
• There’s no right or wrong way to grieve
• Feeling your emotions is the only way to process grief
• Self care is of utmost importance

These heartfelt stories are written from the authentic heart with many details of their own and their loved ones’ journeys. This is the first of the series that will be published over the upcoming years, as everyone’s story is important to share.

“I would be lying if I said this wasn’t hard. Talking about loved ones we’ve lost is one thing; reliving the heartache is something totally different. But for as many times that I thought I couldn’t write my chapter, there were just as many moments that I felt extreme gratitude for this opportunity. Not only was it an opportunity to tell the story of my loved ones and my journey with grief, it was also an opportunity to further heal and remind myself and others that so much good can come from a great deal of sadness. Writing my story and hearing the stories of others during our monthly calls provided a missing piece to healing that I didn’t even know I needed. Contributing to this project was a reminder that I am not alone in my grief and that hope is always present.” —Author Christina Pirolli

Forever in Our Hearts, Volume Two, presented by Gloria Gemma, is the second book in this heartfelt anthology series that brings you the stories of eight individuals as they navigate through love, loss, and the healing power of sharing their journeys. This collection, told in their own words, aims to light the path for those navigating their own losses.

In these stories, you’ll discover:

• Connection: You’re not alone.
• Inspiration: Every step forward counts.
• Diversity: Each grief journey is unique.
• Acceptance: There’s no “right” way to grieve.
• Emotional Honesty: Feeling is part of healing.
• Self-Care: Your wellbeing is paramount.

Introduced by the Gloria Gemma Foundation, this book delves into grief's complexity, emphasizing its impact on our whole selves. These stories, shared with vulnerability and strength, invite readers to find hope and renewal amidst sorrow.

“The opportunity to write a chapter in Gloria Gemma Foundation’s Volume Two of Forever in Our Hearts has been phenomenal. The transformation I have seen in myself is powerful as I dug deeply into the depths of my soul with the help of Maria Gemma and Susan Lataille. I discovered how my thoughts and beliefs worsened my grief and were a barrier to self-love and acceptance. I am stronger, thriving, empowered, and grateful for their supportive coaching, and the amazing opportunity to contribute a chapter in this book.” ―Anthony E. Wilson, MD

Resilient Hearts: Navigating Your Child’s Life-Threatening Illness with Love and Hope is a powerful, heartfelt collection of stories from ten extraordinary families who faced the unimaginable — a life-threatening diagnosis for their child.

Through the darkest days of uncertainty, treatment, and recovery, these parents share their raw, honest journeys — not just of survival, but of love, community, and resilience. Their words are a guiding light for other families navigating similar paths, offering hope, connection, and the
reminder that you are not alone.

In partnership with A Wish Come True — New England’s oldest wish-granting organization — this book reveals more than magical moments. It celebrates the healing that comes from being embraced by a compassionate community that listens without judgment, stands beside you in crisis, and continues to walk with you long after the wish has been granted.

You’ll discover:

• There is no playbook for this journey — and that’s okay
• Your grief, anxiety, and exhaustion are real — and so is your strength
• It’s okay to mourn the loss of the life you once imagined
• You’re not alone — there are resources, stories, and people who understand
• Shared resources and hard-earned wisdom from families who’ve walked in your shoes
• Healing begins with finding a safe space to be heard, seen, and supported

Resilient Hearts is not just a book. It’s a hand to hold in the storm — a beacon of light for families to find their way through the most difficult of times. It is an opportunity to prepare you through the lessons learned by others. It is a resource for you before, during, and after this challenging journey leads you to heal.

Contributing authors:
Patricia Moura Krowel, Jordan & Jacklyn Dembishack, Diana and Bob Rodrigues, Samantha Pelletier, Lyndsey Leandro, Santos & Lillian Nieves, Crystal & Brian Greene, Erika Thompson, Diane M. Silva, and Joshua & Kathryn Smith

For others who have lost a child-we see you, we hear you, and we understand more than we ever wanted to. Every day is that day, which now defines us. At that moment, the moment our children passed away, nothing made sense; it never will. We became different people at that moment. We became that parent-pleading, bargaining, and fighting in every way we knew how to save the lives of our children. Years were stolen from us in a matter of seconds. No one could save them; no one allowed us to take their place. Every day we wake up from our worst nightmare on repeat. It never ends. We can't shut it off, and we can't change the ending. We replay it every day to convince ourselves it is real, but how can it possibly be real? We weren't given a choice. We've lived it, but we are also surviving it.

These stories are real and raw, and we tell them to keep the memories of our children alive. We want to show you that the memories of your children will live on too. We hope and pray that our stories will help you continue to honor your children and to survive with us.