Local Author Writes Profound Book on the Human Experience; Told Through the Eyes of a Mother After the Loss of Her Son.

Lifestyle Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2004

Book offers insight into embracing grief and loss --

and the power of being free

Grief and loss are a part of all of our lives. Work, entertainment, activities, personal relationships, etc., offer an escape, but eventually, the heartache returns and must be confronted.

In "A Fistful of Agates," Jane Larson Wipf offers readers a glimpse into her own loss, personal thoughts and expressions as a mother dealing with her son's life-long illness, and his untimely death at the age of seven. This intimate, warm, and inviting story impacts all walks of life -- at all ages. Though the details of her story are unique, the experience is not.

According to readers, "The book leads people to a place in their heart to strengthen them; it makes them face the big questions and creates a deep life experience." Readers also say, "It's one of the most human stories I've ever read; anyone who reads this book is going to be handsomely rewarded with a wonderful story -- part tragedy and part miracle...about life and death."

While pregnant with her son, Tommy, Wipf experienced a recurring prophetic dream as narrated in "A Fistful of Agates."

"God's voice told me, 'There will be a health problem with this baby, but be at peace. My hand is on him,'" says Wipf. Unfortunately, that dream became a reality; Tommy lost his battle with chronic granulomatous disease in 1990.

But for Wipf and her husband, faith was able to light their way. "Our journey with Tommy has taught us to surrender and wait on God's power," she says.

"A Fistful of Agates" is a vibrant book of precious memories conveyed through a series of letters written by Wipf, to Tommy. Running the gamut of emotions, the book is profoundly healing to both author and reader alike, as life's deepest feelings are frankly faced.

Written with a gift for honesty and humanness that is all too often lost in literature, Wipf shares her simple and yet profound reflections of a mother's experience of a child's illness and death. Having opened herself to contemplating the cloud of death, Wipf has found a meaning and depth to life not often found, and in turn, offers strength to her readers.

Note to editors: Jane Larson Wipf's insight on the human experience has led her to a leadership role in a grief coalition, to participate in hospital forums, to deliver guest sermons in churches, and to create a large traveling photo display on human experience and heaven. She has shared her story with pupils age three to 18, as well as college and seminary students and has also authored Blankets, A Grief Journey. "A Fistful of Agates" is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.