Her Light Still Shines
A Beloved Daughter's Story and Her Mother's Grief Journey
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Introduction I wrote Her Light Still Shines to celebrate my beloved 21-year-old daughter's life. Telling her story inspired me to tell my story, so I blended her biography with the story of my grief journey. Part I consists of lifetime highlights including birthdays, education, travel, jobs and career including the decision to become a missionary. Part II consists of her story as told through excerpts of inspirational personal journal writing, poetry and short essays. Part III is a compilation of celebratory memories and reflections written by her family and friends. IV. The fourth and final part of the book is about my grief journey, from the devastating phone call through the overwhelming early years to hope and healing in subsequent years. This part concludes with a final chapter that presents strategies for coping with the death of a child.
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About the Book
A bereaved mother and grief educator, Coralease Cox Ruff skillfully combines her daughter's biography with a grief book to produce Her Light Still Shines, a beautiful tribute to her daughter and an invaluable guide for bereaved parents. This moving story celebrates the life of Candice M. Ruff who profoundly touched many lives in her short 21 years. Her mother lovingly presents the mirrors that form the kaleidoscope of her life by incorporating Candice's writings and friends' reflections with Coralease's own thoughts. Starting from her early memories of Candice as a child and going through to the devastating accident that took away her daughter too soon, Coralease celebrates Candice's extraordinary life. This written memorial can serve as a model for other bereaved parents and as a compass that identifies landmarks and coping strategies along a mother's grief journey. With amazing candor, love, and gentleness, Her Light Still Shines, is a beacon to newly bereaved parents. Learn to keep your child's memory alive on your journey toward healing and feel the warmth of your child's shining light forever.
About the Author
Coralease Ruff is a registered nurse, college professor, grief educator, and member of The Compassionate Friends Board of Directors. She lectures on grief and loss locally and nationally. Ruff and her husband live in Virginia and spend winters in Sun City Center, Florida. They have an adult son.