Breathe cry breathe : from sorrow to strength in the aftermath of sudden, tragic loss

Summary: "In the fall of 2010, the entire Gourdier family were happily gathering for a surprise zombie-themed party for their youngest sister Julie's 40th birthday when the unthinkable happened. As Julie and her parents returned from church, they were hit at high speed by a car driven by an 80-year-old woman. While Catherine's father escaped without harm, Julie and her mother were rushed to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Still reeling from the sudden loss of Julie and their mother, less than six weeks later, their father died suddenly as well - most likely from a broken heart. Breathe Cry Breathe is the story of Catherine's journey through grief, as she tries to come to terms with the traumatic loss of three close family members so suddenly. In the ensuing weeks, months and years, Catherine realizes that 'grief doesn't vanish so quickly. It packs a suitcase and moves into your heart and head.' Gourdier throws herself into practical pursuits - trying to get a crosswalk installed at the site of the accident, advocating for mandatory testing for senior drivers, holding fundraisers for the Special Olympics in her sister's memory - but after years of struggle it's only time - and a secret meeting with the recipient of her sister's donated lungs - that helps her to finally move beyond her debilitating grief."--