Six boys who became friends through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids of Lowell are hoping to help other children deal with the death of a loved one by sharing their experiences in a recently published book, the “Guys’ Guide to Grief.” The boys range in age from 11 to 16 and met last year while attending a grief support program, after experiencing the deaths of their fathers or grandfathers. Encouraged by the facilitator of their support group, Jacqueline Scherer, a licensed clinical social worker, to document their feelings, Alex Stiles, Justin Gallandt, Luke McLaren, Mason McLaren, Steven Eickoff, and Max LaPonsie wrote about memories of their loved ones and how they are coming to terms with their deaths. 

“We sometimes pass his old house and I will feel a dip in my heart like a bump in the road. I miss his laugh, his boney hugs, and his jokes,” wrote Alex Stiles, 13. “If you lose someone close to you sometimes grieving is the best medicine. Grieving has definitely helped me, my family, and hopefully other families.”
 
The authors worked together in all aspects of creating the book, from writing to illustrating and getting the book published. Eventually each learned that they were finding peace while working on the project.

“Throughout the entire process of creating the “Guys’ Guide to Grief,” I was awed by the courage of these young men and their desire to offer support and hope for other tweens and teens on a grief journey. I am proud to have worked alongside these wonderful members,” said Scherer. “Their vision, words and stories offer a real understanding of death, grief, and emotional health support. They have exemplified our motto at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids: In This Together.”

Studentreasures Publishing gifted 40 copies of the “Guys’ Guide to Grief” to the boys and Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids of Lowell, where it's available for purchase for $25.
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