MIDDLEBURY — For many the loss of a child is unfathomable. Middlebury Union Middle School Principal Kris Francoeur has written a memoir about losing her son Sam and will be sharing her experience on March 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
Sponsored by the United Way of Addison County Francoeur, author of “Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude – Sam’s Love Story” will look into the process of sharing a very personal and difficult story. “Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude” shares Francoeur’s journey through grief at the loss of her son Sam from the first Facebook posts announcing his death through the next thirty months. She struggled to keep sane in her bottomless grief while trying to support the rest of her family and continue with her professional life.
At times raw and uncomfortable to read, “Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude” is a brutally honest first-hand account of the pain of losing a truly special child, and how the conscious practice of expressing gratitude, unconditional acceptance of others, and keeping a very active connection with nature helped bring light and joy back into Kris’s life.
Her story helps grieving families feel that hope and joy will return, no matter how devastating and permanent the loss. The first 49 people will receive a free copy of the book. Town Hall Theater is located at 68 S. Pleasant St. in Middlebury, Vermont. This is a free event.