About Joan E. Markwell
A mother, Wife to Denny and a daughter who was her Dad’s best tomboy. I grew up in Lexington, KY to become a businesswoman in a variety of venues. I have a love of children, the outdoors, water and I am ready for the next adventure. I grew up with seven brothers and sisters who with their families have always been the nucleus of my life. My parents Josie and Bernie Fields just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. We have a long loving history.
Losing my daughter, Cindy has taken most of the sunk out of my life. Through our book “Softening the Grief” I am trying to slowly regain some of that drive in the form of reaching out to others so they may better understand the bereaved Mothers in their lives.
My story
I’ve had the misfortune of outliving my daughter. And in going through this tremendous grieving process I have found comfort with others that have also survived their children. So, in an effort to pay tribute to our children, and to bring a better understanding of our grief journey to so many others, four of us have written a book to soften the grief; to educate and inform all of those who know of a bereaved parent in their lives or we can relate to another bereaved parent to help everyone better manage this trauma.
Her name was Cindy. She was so much to so many. She loved life; she lived life to the fullest. She was always up for a challenge. And when she walked into a room she owned it. She was my dream little gal.
The most unexpected thing that happened to me after losing my daughter was seeing the person I was, disappear.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to deal with this being, nor did a lot of my friends and family. Consequently, a lot of them shrank away from me. I think seeing this new me was something that I didn’t understand, so how could they understand.
I want to reach out to those who have a bereaved mother in their life. That by reading our book they can gain some knowledge to help them support the bereaved mothers in their lives. We can give them some tools that we’re now aware of, that can make that journey a little more easier for the next bereaved parent.
Coauthors
Written to address a bereaved mother, Softening the Grief, is beneficial to anyone interested in helping others cope with grief. Medical field, grief counselors, clergy, friends, and family members; Softening the Grief, will help you provide hope.
Contact Us
If you are a bereaved mother, share your story of dealing with “others” while going through the grieving process.
If you know a grieving mother, share your story so we can better teach you to help her through the grieving process.
We are here with you!