John and Carol had been happily married 43 years when one day, out of the blue, Wham! Carol was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was gone just 60 days later. This is the story of John's journey, to not merely survive, but to thrive.

From the first shockwaves of grief to the later complications of getting on with life, John shares his first-hand experience and the many helpful discoveries he makes along the way. He does it with rare honesty and vulnerability, furnishing a wealth of insights into life after loss. From many months of candid conversations, he has also gathered stories from various others (mostly men, some women) and offers them up with warmth and humor, wrapped up in insightful nuggets of wisdom called Little Ohs.

If you or someone you care about has experienced the death of a spouse, you'll find this slim but powerful book to be an invaluable companion through the soul-searing, sometimes bewildering aftermath of loss. Written by someone who has been through deep waters himself, I Carry Your Heart offers an unvarnished but ultimately transformative view into the process of grief, as lived and told by a keen observer of his own struggles and story.

John F. Roskopf retired after a 45-year career in finance and risk management, most recently focusing on risk management issues in higher education. He has spoken frequently on organizational strategy, leadership and creativity and has published numerous articles on risk management. John received a B.S. from Quincy University and an M.B.A. from Loyola University. He is the father of two and grandfather of four.Jill Schoeneman-Parker, Psy. D. received her doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a specialization in Abuse and Trauma. Additionally, she trained in art therapy at George Washington University following her studies at Wellesley College. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Jill is a former Director of CampCare, a bereavement day camp for children and adolescents and worked as an Educational Therapist with emotionally disturbed children. At present, Jill maintains a private practice in Skokie, IL. When she is not working with her clients, she loves spending time with her family, taking pottery classes, gardening, walking her dog, and hunting for sea glass at the beach.