S4 E12 REPLAY Seasons of Hope with M. Donna MacLeod

ShownotesAfter six long years of constant chemotherapy, painful procedures, many relapses, and a brush with death from the chickenpox virus, Donna MacLeod’s daughter Erynne, died of leukemia at age 9. Her love of life, cheerful spirit, and devotion to Jesus inspired many. Being in her presence changed Donna as Erynne was a child of hope. In her early periods of grief, Donna began to write a spiritual companion to help others who were tending to their own grief.  We hope you enjoy this REPLAY of Andrea and Jennifer's conversation with Donna MacCleod as she shares her story and how the Seasons of Hope Journals came into existence. Our GuestDonna is a nurse, bereft mom, Catholic lay leader, bereavement ministry specialist, and author known for her unique Christ-centered program for those who mourn. Her bestselling Seasons of Hope ministry books now have an updated Leader’s Guide: Bringing Comfort through Catholic Grief Support and four companion Journals: Finding Comfort in Your Grief (Ave Maria Press). Her writings on grief, loss, and faith also appear in CareNotes, PrayerNotes, and Caring Companions (Abbey Press) and other publications.She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and has served as an oncology clinical specialist, nurse educator, administrator, and hospice professional. She was on the board of trustees of the former National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved and is a member of the Catholic Family Life Association. You can find more information on Donna through her author link at Ave Maria Press found HERE. She can also be reached at [email protected] of Hope SeriesJournaling QuestionsWhat struck you most about this particular episode?Have you ever used a journal on your grief journey? What benefits did you find in using one?Have you ever attended any sort of grief support group? What did you find helpful or not helpful about it?What are some things that have helped you explore your grief in different ways besides perhaps support groups or journaling?What is your mourning glory?This episode is in memory of Erynne MacLeod, Jacqueline and Angus MacLeod, Sundy and Isabelle Mann.