ABSTRACT
Bereaved individuals are “wounded storytellers” in similar fashion to those discussed by Frank (1995). Their bodies, minds and emotions exhibit signs of the “illness” of bereavement, crying out for the opportunity to give voice to their experience. Through the use of storytelling, they begin to make sense of their malaise, to take control of events formerly beyond their power of influence. Cecilia’s personal bereavement experience in the aftermath of the death of her 13-year-old daughter provided the impetus for this research. This chapter is based on her experiences and thesis research. She conducted the interviews on which this work is based. Any reference to “I” within this chapter refers to her experiences and perceptions.
