How To Survive Grief: Inspiration From Fran Sandin

Fran Caffey Sandin, a retired nurse, has authored two books and contributed to thirty anthologies. Fran shares how she found the strength to get through severe trauma after losing two sons. 

Through her heart-wrenching losses, including her father's suicide, she has learned much about the three stages of grief and how to survive them.  

She teaches us that we can overcome the effects of tragedy and how to help others survive their circumstances. She shows us what we need to know and say and what not to say when our friends are suffering. 

Surviving Grief

During her interview, she details the three stages of grief:

1. Crisis

2. Crucible

3. Construction

Check out her inspiring interview here:

Books By Fran

Fran’s newest release, HOPE on the Way, Devotions to Go contains 52 devotionals for those who love to combine faith and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned journeyer or an armchair traveler you will explore the possibilities of the path on which God has placed you.

HOPE on the Way received a Seal of Excellence for Outstanding Literature in the Devotional and Christian Living sections by Joy and Company in Arlington, Texas. 

Fran’s first book, See You Later, Jeffrey, was written after the death of Fran and Jim’s third child, Jeffrey who succumbed to bacterial meningitis, which attacks the brain and spinal cord, when he was 17 months old. Before the meningitis vaccine, many children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years were stricken. 

Fran was shocked and shaken by his illness and death asked many questions. After two years she felt led to minister to other parents who lost a child and probably asked the same questions. 

 This book has been translated into Russian and is widely distributed in Ukraine and Germany. 

Fran's book, Touching the Clouds: True Stories to Strengthen Your Faith, she interviews 15 women who had life-changing experiences and how they overcame life's disappointments and tragedies.

At the end of each chapter, she includes practical ideas for the reader to incorporate into their life. 

Fran also shares the story of losing her father to suicide and answers the question: Is God punishing me?    

Fran Sandin lost her father to suicide and two sons to disease. She understands tragedy and encourages us with points on how to survive grief.