Leanne Friesen is an author, speaker, grief educator, ordained minister, and curator of the popular Grieving Room Instagram account. She has pastored for twenty years and serves as a conference and retreat speaker across Canada. Friesen holds an MDiv from McMaster University, as well as a post-graduate certificate in death and bereavement from Wilfred Laurier University. A sought-after preacher, speaker, and guest on numerous grief platforms and podcasts, Friesen lives with her husband and two children in Hamilton, Ontario.
"""Each page simmers with heartache as Friesen recalls unexpected waves of sadness triggered by songs, first holidays without her sister, and thoughts of milestones that will never happen, lending depth to her insights and practical advice (instead of asking a mourner how they're doing, she suggests: 'Tell me what you are missing about your loved one'). This will go a long way toward reassuring those who are grieving."" --Publishers Weekly ""A rare and wonderful gift: a story of loss that is both vulnerable and strong, raw and wise. I will be recommending this book for years to come."" --Amanda Held Opelt, songwriter and author of A Hole in the World: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing ""Leanne Friesen is doing inspiring work by normalizing conversation surrounding grief with this honest, firsthand account of how she made space for her own grief. This book is a great gift for a grieving friend or loved one."" --TJ Jackson, founder of Dee Dee Jackson Foundation ""A poignant and thoughtful must-read for grievers. This book is a gift for anyone traversing life after loss."" --Sally Douglas, author of Good Mourning: Honest Conversations about Grief and Loss ""A rare work that is as emotionally compelling as it is intellectually insightful. All of us will experience grief and will be called upon to help others--which is why I believe everybody reading would benefit greatly by reading Grieving Room."" --Greg Boyd, pastor, theologian, and author ""Take your time with these pages; don't rush through them. Your heart will steadily open up and receive healing from the chaotic, complicated combination of both intense pain and joy over having lost someone after loving them so deeply."" --Lydia Sohn, writer and United Methodist pastor ""Grieving Room reminds us to take the work of grieving seriously. It is a patient, kind, deeply personal and wise work of spiritual direction through the rooms of grief. Much thanks to Leanne Friesen for this extraordinary gift."" --David Fitch, author and B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary ""If you are experiencing the pain of loss, you want a companion who understands what you are going through. With honesty, eloquence, and humor Leanne Friesen tells the story of her own grief journey. As a wise and expert guide, she can help you find your own path to healing."" --Mark A. Scandrette, author of Belonging and Becoming and The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes"