Explores the personal and spiritual growth that can emerge from loss. Drawing on wisdom found in the enduring stories such as fairy tales and Biblical passages, along with excerpts form the lives of others who've overcome adversity, Carlson demonstrates innovative ways to discover personal meaning in an otherwise seemingly-meaningless event. Sharing the meaning she found in her son's life and death, and showing how a search for meaning can reduce unnecessary suffering, Carlson's practical guide is helpful to anyone experiencing tragedy or loss. "Honest and insightful. I greatly admire the work you've done. I read most of it in one sitting. Very interesting." -- Lu Harter, freelance proofreader "I read the manuscript in one day because I could hardly put it down. It would not only be helpful to someone in the grieving process, but to anyone. Very meaningful!" -- Carol Nord, Learning Disabilities Specialist "I was deeply affected by the truths you found in simple tales. Your book has a wonderful message of hope as we all search for the meaning in suffering. Your book is excellently and poignantly written." -- Adina Wrobleski, Author of Suicide: Why? and Suicide Survivors "This book was captivating. It is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who is trying to find meaning behind any tragedy. Trudy's well-written and well-researched book is relevant for everyone. I especially appreciated her ability to find similarities between religions so as to narrow the gap between people and cultures. Timely in today's society." -- Robin Blatnik, English and Composition Instructor "Well-written and knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed the use of analogies between ourselves and characters found in Greek mythology. It was like reading a mirror of one's self. The segment on dreams is also highly relevant. An especially touching piece of work." -- Mary Weaver, English Teacher Suffering is an inevitable part of everyone's life. Finding meaning makes it more bearable. Whether you have lost a loved one through death or divorce, your health, your job, your financial security, or a dream, the insights in Tragedy: Finding A Hidden Meaning can help you with enduring stories from world liteature, personal accounts of others who hve suffered los, and the wisdom found in stories from the major religions. These sources can help you overcome and grow from the suffering in your life. Trudy Carlson writes with an immediacy, intimacy and personal insight arising from her own family tragedy. -- Midwest Book Review Suffering is an inevitable part of everyone's life. Finding meaning makes it more bearable. Whether you have lost a loved one through death or divorce, your health, your job, your financial security or a dream, the insights in this book can help you. When the unthinkable happens, some people become bitter while others become better. Which group will you join? Enduring stories from world literature Personal accounts of others who have suffered loss Wisdom found in stories from major religions These sources can help you overcome and grow from the suffering in your life. "This is a truly useful book for personal development in the 90's. ... By sharing her personal suffering, spiritual development and the use of every day clues to discover a Divine plan, she gives one a positive and heartfelt reason for all life. This is a must book for parents and support groups." Dr. Jerome E. Kwako, Fellow American Academy of Pediatrics, Director ADD Clinic, Miller Dwan Hospital "I was captivated by this book. You clearly present a depth of insight born from experience and suffering. You capture the paradox of life -- growth comes through suffering and pain. The spiritual person is sensitive to incongruities in life and gains insights that other fail to see." Rev. Ed Morgan DD Trudy Carlson, M.S., operates small health care facilities. She taught university classes in child, adolescent, and developmental psychology; the psychology of the exceptional child; personality and mental hygiene, and others. Her fourteen year old son died. Personal growth is the surprising side of tragedy. This book is a resource for anyone who courageously chooses to transcend life circumstances. Trudy Carlson Born: Fredonia, Wisconsin (just north of Milwaukee) Marital Status: Married with two children, a daughter and the son who died Education: 1962-64 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh 1964-66 University of Wisconsin - Madison B .S. Psychology 1967-70 University of Wisconsin M. S. Behavioral Disabilities Profession Teaching Elementary School 1966-67 Madison Public Schools 1967-69 Sun Prairie Public Schools 1969-70 Eau Claire Public Schools Professional Teaching: College 1970-73 University of Wisconsin - Stout 1973-75 College of St. Scholastica Duluth, MN. Courses taught include: child psychology, adolescent psychology, developmental psychology, the psychology of the exceptional child, personality and mental hygiene, educ