Joni James Aldrich has worked in analysis, documentation, communications and public speaking. She used her experience with documentation and analysis to write The Losing of Gordon and The Saving of Gordon. Today, Joni uses her communications and public speaking skills to share with others what she learned through her own grieving process.

Joni connects to audiences that are going through the grief process, because she has survived it herself. She discusses a variety topics of topics, including the Seven Realizations of Grief:

1) Grief has left a vacant seat in your life. No one can fill that seat, but eventually the emptiness will be less noticeable and even somewhat tolerable.

2) You are alone, but not completely alone. You have family and friends to help. There are many others who are in similar grief patterns. Your grief may be unique to you, but not unique to the world.

3) You must take control of your grief, or it will control you. For a while, this will be hard to do. As time passes, your strength will build up enough to get through the crisis part of grief.

4) It is okay to set some temporary boundaries for your grief. I’m the type of person that doesn't say the words "I cannot." Consequently, I wanted immediate resolution for the pain, so I didn’t have to admit my limitations. Grief just does not work that way.

5) Regrets, lack of closure and guilt are your grief enemies. These are non-productive by-products of the insecurities of loss. You will have to determine your way of dealing with them, but you can’t just sweep them under the rug.

6) In due time, you will need to reconcile with God. Yes, I had hard feelings. Having a rift with God is along the same lines as challenging fate. It’s futile to throw your faith, hope and comfort away to be spiteful to our powerful creator.

7) If you need help, ask for it. Humans are not perfect. Regardless of who and what you are, regardless of how tough and determined you are—grief can knock you down. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals who are experienced in providing assistance to overcome some of the negative factors of your loss.