Local
author Pat
Bluth, author of From Pain To Peace, describes how planning a child's
graduation can turn into planning a child's funeral. Bluth lost her
teen daughter at the hands of a drunk driver. She sees similarities
between this and the recent loss of Chelsea King in San Diego CA.
She shares
her story regarding how the death of a child can allow rage to be
transformed into forgiveness.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local
Author Describes How
Planning A Child's Graduation Can Turn Into Planning A Child's Funeral
For author Pat Bluth, planning for her daughters graduation turned into
planning for her child's funeral when she lost her teenage daughter at
the hand of a drunk driver. Ms. Bluth sees real similarities in the
events surrounding the loss of Chelsea King at the hands of a sexual
predator. In her book, From Pain To Peace, Ms. Bluth demonstrates how
rage can be transformed into forgiveness
[DATE CITY] In
her book, From Pain To Peace, author
Pat Bluth shares her story regarding how her life changed after the
death of her 17 year old daughter at the hands of a drunk driver. She
describes in detail what happened on that night and how it felt to go
from planning for a graduation to planning for a funeral. Now, watching
the events surrounding the loss of Chelsea King in San Diego, she draws
a comparision between the loss of Chelsea King and the no less painful
loss so many unfortunate parents are forced to face as a result of
drunk driving.
"When I heard about the death of 17-year-old Chelsea King of San Diego,
California," stated Ms. Bluth, "I was taken back years ago to when my
own 17 year old daughter, Tammy, was killed by a drunk driver. What
came to mind was the anger of such a beautiful young woman with her
life ahead of her snuffed out by someone that had no respect for the
life of others. The pain the parents will have to go through
in
the weeks, months, and years ahead will be horrific. My
experience
is there is no easy way to grieve; no blue print to follow and it takes
a lifetime."
“I wrote this book,because I believe I have a story to share
that
offers hope and inspiration to others that have suffered a loss," Ms.
Bluth continued. "As a grief counselor, I learned that many people get
stuck in their grief, anger, or unresolved feelings. I wanted
to
share that grief is a process that doesn’t have to control
your
life forever. Forgiveness was something I thought was impossible after
my 17 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I was
wrong. My book describes in detail what I did on an 8-day
silent
retreat to heal. Others can follow this process.”
After the death of her daughter, Ms. Bluth started a MADD chapter in
her county. She also attended Compassionate Friends meetings, a support
group for parents whose children have died, and began journaling.
“All these things helped,” stated Ms. Bluth,
“but I
found no lasting peace. Four years later I felt suicidal and called out
to God for help. I talked to my priest and at his suggestion I attended
an 8 day silent retreat. That was my answer for finally finding peace.
As for the parents of Chelsea King, I can only offer hope. What is
needed most at a time like this is for family and friends to give them
love and offer support in the form of a listening ear. ”
Ms. Bluth shares her story all over the country. She divides her time
between Gulf Shores, Alabama and Brainerd, Minnesota . Ms.
Bluth
is available for speaking engagements and interviews and can be
contacted using the information below or by email at
pat@patbluth.com.Copies of her book, From Pain To Peace, are available
at her website at www.patbluth.com and from most bookstores and major
online booksellers.
From Pain To Peace
Pat Bluth
Axiom Press
ISBN: 9781581692952
Profile:
Pat Bluth grew up in Bremerton, Washington, but life brought her to
Brainerd, Minnesota, where, along with her husband, Gary, they have
lived and raised three children: Tammy, Jeff, and Jennifer.
Life was going well for the Bluth family, but everything changed
suddenly when one Friday night, daughter Tammy was killed by a drunk
driver.
For months after Tammy’s death, Pat struggled to go on with
life, but because of her strong faith, she persevered and has used her
life experiences to help others facing life changing situations. She
completed a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, and has
used her abilities as an Independent Clinical Social Worker to
facilitate Home Care/Hospice groups for St. Joseph’s Medical
Center, and grief groups for Compassionate Friends, listening and
comforting parents who experience the death of a child. She served in
private practice as a family therapist for a Christian Counseling
Clinic in Brainerd, and is also certified as a Chemical Dependency
Counselor.
Pat was instrumental in forming a Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter
in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and is a frequent speaker at MADD impact
panels. She has worked as a victim advocate for others whose lives have
been shattered by impaired drivers. As a Certified Toastmaster, Pat
enjoys opportunities to speak and spread a message of hope and
inspiration to various audiences. She shares her story of how God
turned her bitterness into forgiveness, and how it is possible to enjoy
life again, even after great tragedy has occurred. Her message has
inspired thousands.
A member of the Brainerd Area Catholic Churches, Pat is a Lector and a
Minister of Holy Communion. She has served on boards for the Council of
Catholic Women at the local, Deanery and Diocesan levels. Because of
her commitment to God, and because of her service in church and the
community, Pat has been able to use life’s struggles to grow
spiritually, and finds it her mission to encourage others along the way.
Contact:
Pat Bluth
Web: www.patbluth.com
Email: pat@patbluth.com
Phone: 218-831-5383
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Pat Bluth
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Book
Cover
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Company
Information:
Pat
Bluth grew
up in Bremerton, Washington, but life brought her to
Brainerd, Minnesota, where, along with her husband, Gary, they have
lived and raised three children: Tammy, Jeff, and Jennifer.
Life was going well for the Bluth family, but everything changed
suddenly when one Friday night, daughter Tammy was killed by a drunk
driver.
For months after Tammy’s death, Pat struggled to go on with
life, but because of her strong faith, she persevered and has used her
life experiences to help others facing life changing situations. She
completed a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, and has
used her abilities as an Independent Clinical Social Worker to
facilitate Home Care/Hospice groups for St. Joseph’s Medical
Center, and grief groups for Compassionate Friends, listening and
comforting parents who experience the death of a child. She served in
private practice as a family therapist for a Christian Counseling
Clinic in Brainerd, and is also certified as a Chemical Dependency
Counselor.
Pat was instrumental in forming a Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter
in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and is a frequent speaker at MADD impact
panels. She has worked as a victim advocate for others whose lives have
been shattered by impaired drivers. As a Certified Toastmaster, Pat
enjoys opportunities to speak and spread a message of hope and
inspiration to various audiences. She shares her story of how God
turned her bitterness into forgiveness, and how it is possible to enjoy
life again, even after great tragedy has occurred. Her message has
inspired thousands.
A member of the Brainerd Area Catholic Churches, Pat is a Lector and a
Minister of Holy Communion. She has served on boards for the Council of
Catholic Women at the local, Deanery and Diocesan levels. Because of
her commitment to God, and because of her service in church and the
community, Pat has been able to use life’s struggles to grow
spiritually, and finds it her mission to encourage others along the way.
Company
Contact:
Pat Bluth
pat@patbluth.com
www.patbluth.com
218-831-5383
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