Dear Friends,

Will and I are delighted to present the front cover of our upcoming book, Living through Loss. Finalizing the cover is just the first of many important steps on the pathway to publication. While we don’t have a release date yet, we will continue to keep you updated on our progress.

The cover was designed with our input by the very creative Melinda Martin of Martin Publishing Services. There are a number of references in our book to flowers, trees and seeds and Melinda chose the Magnolia Tree to reflect the character of Living through Loss.

With its majestic form, creamy white flowers, intoxicating scent, and glossy green leaves, the magnolia tree has been a favorite across cultures for centuries. The tree also produces a cone-like fruit with brightly colored red seeds as you see on our cover, that attract songbirds, squirrels, and many other animals. Here in Florida, even iguanas can be seen climbing up these tall, stately trees.

Magnolias are believed to be one of the most prehistoric flowering trees on Earth today, with their fossils dating back over 100 million years. These trees existed even before bees, so they rely on beetles for pollination. Instead of nectar, the flowers produce large quantities of pollen that both the beetles and bees can use for food.

Because of its ability to adapt to different climates, the Magnolia tree tends to live from eighty to one hundred years. For all these reasons the Magnolia Tree has come to symbolize endurance and strength. These are two characteristics that Living through Loss highlights as essential to have or to develop on any journey through grief into healing.

The iconic southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is the most well-known, and as you may guess by now, the magnolia is not a delicate flower, even though it may seem to be because of its graceful beauty. “Steel Magnolia” is a unique southern expression exemplifying the combination of femininity and strength.

The 1989 film “Steel Magnolias,” Sally Field, playing the role of M’Lynn screams at her daughter Shelby’s funeral, “I want to know why, I want to know why, Lord…I wish somebody would explain it to my heart.” M’Lynn’s five best friends surround her with love and support. In the end, we see M’Lynn hugging Shelby’s young son as she says, “life goes on, that’s what Shelby would want.”

Our hope and prayer is that Living through Loss will speak to our reader’s hearts and help them develop strength and endurance through their grief.

Blessings,

Donna & Will