The overwhelming sense of loss that triggers deep grief can feel all-consuming. For a long time after losing someone or something precious, it’s as though all you can see is the empty space left behind. That’s exactly how I felt after my dad passed away. It took an immense amount of effort to see anything beyond the void his absence created. What I longed for but could no longer have consumed my thoughts and emotions. Even though I occasionally caught glimpses of a silver lining in that dark cloud, they never seemed to last.
The feelings of emotional numbness and deep sorrow returned far too quickly. I was surprised at how long and deeply the pain endured. The biblical values I hold sometimes added to my guilt, as I struggled to align what I knew to be true with what I felt in my heart. Eventually, I chose to stop fighting and surrendered to the overwhelming sense of loss, allowing myself to feel its weight for as long as needed. Sure enough, in its own time, the helplessness began to make room for gratitude.
Now, I can confidently say that hidden within grief lies a unique treasure—gratitude. Gratitude for the gift my dad was to me, for the moments we shared and the memories we created, for the life he lived and the influence it had on mine, for the legacy he left behind and the difference it continues to make, and for the opportunity grief has given me to reflect on all of this. I am even grateful for the chance to encapsulate these reflections in a book that can now serve as a companion to others on their own journey through grief.
Most of all, I am grateful for the feedback this book has received. While there are many reviews, I’d like to highlight the most recent one from the translator who has worked hard to ensure that our Francophone audience can read it soon.
“After reading this book for the first time, I shed tears. The way you express your grief is so deep. I lost my father six years ago, and I didn’t understand why the grief didn’t leave my heart until I read this book. Your Dad’s life touched me deeply. My heart’s desire is to be a model father, loving, caring and raising his children in God’s way like Dad . He is the perfect definition of a father. This book is a source of inspiration for me and will help those who are going through similar times. I will read it from time to time, so as not to lose sight of my ardent desire to be a dad like Rev. Yes, this saint is not dead. Il se repose au prêt de son Père. Thank you Dr Delphine 🙏”
If it were just for him, the book would have served its purpose. I am happy to announce that the English version of the book is now available on amazon for friends in the West through this link.
If you’re in Cameroon, get ready! This book might be launching near you. We have two events planned: the first in Yaoundé on November 24th, followed by Bamenda on December 22nd. Others will be announced on this space soon.
If you’ve endured a significant loss, you know that grief is both messy and raw. Let’s confront it and explore it together at these launches. In the end, loss is an inevitable part of life, and sooner or later, we each have to navigate its depths.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one or something deeply valued? Join the conversation. And if you haven’t faced major loss, this space is still for you. None of us can be fully prepared when grief strikes, but we can take steps toward readiness. When we embrace grief thoughtfully, we eventually uncover the hidden gratitude within it. Let’s walk this journey together.
Journey with Della 