Finding New Life After the Death of My Son

This heart-wrenching memoir begins just hours into a bereaved father's journey as he mourns the tragic death of his teenage son. Bodnarczuk shares the intimate details of his grief, inviting us into his moments of anguish, confusion, forgiveness, hope, and transformation. This deeply honest account illustrates that the more personally a story is told, the more universally it resonates. Mark provides wisdom and resources to help all of us navigate the complexities of our unique journey. His profound insights about faith and doubt, psychology and theology, mystery and paradox challenge all of us to be more curious and alert to ourselves, God, and the people around us. Be prepared to have your heart softened, your mind stretched, and your soul awakened. Reverend Jane Filkin, director of Leadership Development & Spiritual Formation, the Campolo Center for Ministry of Eastern University As a parent who lost my son to fentanyl, Mark Bodnarczuk's new book is directly relevant to me on many levels. Anyone looking to explore the experience of rebuilding one's life after a devastating event, which is everyone, ultimately, will benefit from reading this book. Ed Ternan, president, Song for Charlie As a grieving father, Mark Bodnarczuk invites us to follow his psychologically profound journey down to the depths of despair and then back up to a new sense of life's return and transformation. Following his son, Thomas's, death from fentanyl poisoning, Mark has been challenged in every way, emotionally, relationally, and at his deepest core, psychologically and spiritually. We are privileged to experience a Dante-like journey down to the deepest levels of the psyche, through Mark's eyes. He beautifully blends the world of dream interpretation and Jungian individuation with his deep Christian faith, and we see the mystery of his son's life and death unfold on the path he walks. Mark's commitment to face his grief fearlessly, his commitment to his son, and his faith carry him on what at times seems like an impossible journey of doubt and sorrow. This is a book that challenges its reader, and if we take up the challenge, our reward is the message of an enduring truth, which we, like Mark, may carry into the world. Lara Newton, Jungian analyst; president, C. G. Jung Institute of Colorado; founding director of Training, C. G. Jung Institute of Colorado; and author, Brothers and Sisters: Discovering the Psychology of Companionship This book will break your heart wide open. It is a love story, it is a tragedy, it is raw, brutal at times, and honest. Readers will feel the author's anger, despair, love, and hope, all at the same time, in this very human and exceedingly holy reflection. Be cautious, reader, this memoir will change your life. Reverend Garrett Struessel, senior pastor, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Longmont, Colorado