The First Signs of April - by Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe (Paperback)

About the Book

Grief is universal. How and whether we heal from grief is not. Joy's suicide had been the ultimate rejection but my shared death experience with Aunt Pat was the ultimate acceptance. The First signs of April is an inspirational memoir that will connect with anyone who has ever suffered from the loss of a loved one, as well as professionals in the helping field.

Book Synopsis

Wounds fester and spread in the darkness of silence. The First Signs of April, explores the destructive patterns of unresolved grief and the importance of connection for true healing to occur. The narrative weaves through time to explore grief reactions to two very different losses: suicide and cancer.

Review Quotes

2019 IPPY Silver Medal Winner in LGBTQ+ Non-Fiction "Reading First Signs of April is like sitting in front of a fire with an old friend: Briscoe starts telling her story and all of a sudden the sun is up and you feel as if you haven't blinked once. This book will become that friend who stays with you for life." --Melanie Braverman, author of East Justice and Red
"The First Signs of April is an inspiring story of about life, death, and how connected we all remain--but only if we're open to listening to the wisdom waiting for us. Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe shows us the power of friendship, and the ways we can heal by embracing all life has to offer. --Linda Joy Myers, president National Association of Memoir Writers, and author of Song of the Plains: A Memoir of Family Secrets and Silence
"By living and writing her truth, Briscoe shares her healing journey of loss and love. A compelling read that grabs your attention and will not let you leave." --Priscilla A. Hutchins, licensed Psychologist-Doctorate, retired

About the Author

Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe, LCMHC, CCTP is a licensed mental health counselor currently on sabbatical from her private psychotherapy practice in northeastern Vermont. After spending a year living on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland working on her next memoir she is currently splitting her time between Cape Cod, Vermont and Ireland. Mary-Elizabeth has a maters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University and is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. In addition she has worked as a Lecturer for Springfield College School of Professional and Continuing Studies St. Johnsbury, Vt. Campus. She is a regular contributor to Cape Women Online and Sweatpants and Coffee magazines. Mary-Elizabeth loves riding her motorcycle and spending as much time as possible with her dog Fergus.