"Grandma, Daddy used to take me over to my school to hunt for ladybugs. Do you think we could do that?"

That simple request from the author's 8-year-old granddaughter melted her heart. The days of ladybug hunting that ensued over that first summer after the death of her adult son brought healing, hope, and stirrings of the joy she trusted eventually would return to their lives, even as she remained in the throes of grief.

Summer of the Ladybugs shares the author's journey through those difficult, early seasons of grief, which are filled with so many tender "firsts."

From initial shock and disbelief-"Dear God, our son can't really be gone"-to gradual lifting of the fog... From being able to manage only the very next thing-"One step at a time, one foot in front of the other"-to gradually becoming able to plan for a day and then a week... The author shares challenges and heartaches common to intense grief, along with encouragement and simple suggestions to get through and keep moving forward.

Intentionally designed to be manageably brief, the book is written in terms that are easy for the grieving mind to process. Also included is a bonus section with questions to facilitate further reflection or group discussion on principles and practices for getting through grief.

Written by one of many fellow climbers farther down the road of grief, Summer of the Ladybugs offers to those in earlier seasons the assurance that, "If they got through it, I can too."