One Ripple at a Time - by Janice Jensen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A woman's inspirational memoir of the tragic death of her young child and her own courageous journey of transformation, this unforgettable story will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss, with honest insights on working through grief, resilience, and reclaiming joy in life.

Without warning, disaster strikes. How does a grief-stricken young mother rebuild her life and rediscover joy?

On a family vacation in Austria, Janice Jensen's children played near a sleepy stream. Suddenly the water rose catastrophically. Miles upstream, a power company had released a raging torrent that rushed down and swept away her young son as she watched helplessly.

Heartbroken, Janice gave all her love and support to her surviving daughter and devastated husband as the three struggled to rebuild their lives together.

This life-affirming memoir follows Janice's decades-long journey from deepest anguish to helping others and discovering more of the world as she teaches, dances, and lives abroad in Colombia, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

In a plainspoken, warm, and honest voice, Janice shares how she survives waves of pain and finds gifts of love. Over time, she confronts her fear of water and builds a life that fully embraces joy. And ultimately, her passion for ballroom dance leads her to reconnect with her son's spirit.

Review Quotes

"One Ripple at a Time chronicles Jensen's journey, first through unthinkable grief, then through helping others find peace after losing loved ones, and bringing joy into her own life and others'... once you start reading it, it's next-to-impossible to put down."--Ron Hartman, The Chronicle

"A moving debut memoir . . . Jensen is a gifted storyteller whose writing style is confident and wise."--Kirkus Reviews

"Pensive, heartbreaking memoir of losing a son in a tragic accident... Imbued with an enduring love that renders this tragic tale paradoxically hopeful."--BookLife Reviews

"Insights that hold important lessons on adaptation and survival... embrace the processes of family, life, and the dynamics of returning, albeit much changed, to a different reality."--Midwest Book Review

"Despite heartbreak, Jensen goes on to live a fascinating life filled with connection and love. Her story is one of anguish and loneliness. It is also one of unbelievable resilience and joy."--Jody Rolnick, publisher

"Her truth helps guide others to hold compassionate space with grief they've hidden away and ultimately find themselves again."--Katie Joy Duke, author of Still Breathing: My Journey with Love, Loss, and Reinvention

"Janice bravely guides us through the moment her son is lost and finds courage to face her fears, protect her family, and overcome the trauma."--Joanne De Simone, author of Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance

"Living demands that we deal with the unimaginable, accept the past, and honor the beauty of having been part of that being who is no longer with us. One Ripple is about loss but also how to move into the future, how to gather what is left and forge forward."--Marisela Rizik, author of Forgotten Times

"This story might break your heart, but it will fill it again. Rich in detail, deep in meaning, with an intimate and embracing voice."--Sandra Scofield, author of Mysteries of Love and Grief

"What appears to be a heartbreaking story turns out to be one of resilience and triumph over unspeakable tragedy. This book will help you see that life can still be beautiful after your worst nightmare. I highly recommend it."--Jillian Smith, M.A., Life Coach & Author

"When I read Janice's book, I cry. Tears spring from the unimaginable tragedy she endured but also from the inspiration the story holds. Her journey to reclaim her lost child and the love they shared is filled with tenderness and courage. This book glows with strength and wisdom."--Mary Bauer, author of Mercury, Miko, and Me

About the Author

After the heartbreaking loss of her young son, Janice Jensen embarked on a courageous journey through grief, trauma, and eventual healing. She worked as a teacher in Syria, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Oregon, and Washington and authored Literature-Based Learning and I Love Library Books. Decades of exploration and solo travel in seventy countries gave Jensen valuable insight into overcoming tragedy from people coping with loss. Her memoir One Ripple at a Time lays bare her honest and life-affirming story and offers the best of her wisdom. Today, she lives in Oregon and volunteers to give grief recovery support and share comfort and resilience for a joyful, beautiful life.