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Susan Lataille to release new book – Brendan Higgins

May 2, 2023/Brendan Higgins

by Brendan Higgins, contributing writer

At some point everyone is confronted with feeling grief. How do we deal with it? Susan Lataille has developed a process helping countless people with this issue. Her motivation comes from firsthand experience. Her first book, Shining a Light on Grief, is both successful and critically acclaimed. The format is unique and inspiring. I spoke with Lataille to discuss her new book Shining a Light on Grief – Volume Two.

She explained, “With my first book I handpicked my authors. I’ve networked so much in Rhode Island. Because of my experience, I’ve met others with similar experiences. When people learn about my experience it gives them permission to talk about theirs. I’ve met many people who have lost significant loved ones.” Six years ago, Lataille lived through her own personal tragedy.

As a certified Master Grief Coach, she offers an alternative to those struggling with the loss of a loved one. She said, “I’m a specialized life coach. I help people navigate through the grieving process. A lot of my work is done through story telling. Our stories are so important. When they are spoken and written, it helps the process. I decided to create a series of anthology books. Right now, I’m working with some authors in the Gloria Gemma Foundation. In just two months, we are seeing so much healing with these people. They are not professional authors. They are people writing to the natural ability they have. When you read these stories it’s more about the story than the way it’s written. It’s about the reader being able to identify with what is being said. I was able to tap into something where I can coach people along. I encourage them to dig to a place to write from the heart.”

During this interview I could feel the passion Susan Lataille has for what she is doing. Her desire to help others is front and center. Her second book is set to be released in the next few weeks. Her third book will be released in conjunction with the Gloria Gemma event, Flames of Hope, later this year. She continued, “My process works. I feel like this is a mission. I was led here by my own personal experience. I lost my son Nathan in 2017. It’s been over six years. From the moment he was gone, I took what happened and started helping others. Doing so also helps me. I will never stop missing my son. As I move through my lifelong grief journey, it gives me a sense of peace.

Everyone is different. For some, grief that they thought they had processed comes up at a deep level. As they go through their story they are reliving it. They are able to process whatever additional layers are there or maybe just the next layer. Some are willing to go there while others may not want to relive what happened. All these stories offer hope and inspiration. Sometimes when a person is living in so much grief they don’t know if they are ever going to live life again. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

I asked Lataille to explain the process of meeting a new client for the first time. She said, “I don’t actively look for business. If I get a referral, I will happily work with anyone. I operate more in a group setting. It’s all about getting people to share their stories. It involves going through the grieving process but also remembering the happy times.

Putting everything in perspective. When my son first passed away, my mind would go to his final days. He had a brain tumor. His leaving us was a process and a journey that we all had to go through. After a while, I wanted to remember his smile and the good times. He was here for 28 years. For 26 of them he lived a normal life.

Getting people to focus on their loved ones lives as opposed to the end of someone’s life is important. I totally believe in the other side. I know my son is with me whenever I want him to be. I can have a conversation with him anytime. I’m lucky to be able to do that. I have this awareness that he is a part of me. He will always be a part of me. I feel for people who simply believe their loved ones are gone. I can help with that.”

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one this article is for you. There is a place to turn. Susan Lataille wants to hear from you. She said, “There are so many people out there silently grieving. My hope in publishing these books is to let the reader know they are not alone. There are tips and tools throughout the books on how people deal with grief. The only way to process grief is to walk right through it. You can’t avoid it. You have to feel it. It is not a pleasant place to be but it’s the only way.”

You can preorder Lataille’s new book at shiningalightongrief.com. You can also contact her directly at [email protected].

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