Grieving begins the moment someone near and dear to us dies or is given a terminal illness prognosis. Only then do we begin to face the losses we've carried all our lives.
Unexpectedly, DiMauro's beloved younger brother, Jon, (age 58), was diagnosed with Glioblastoma-a deadly form of brain cancer. Her close-knit family were heartbroken-in shock: Jon was an athlete, a vibrant spirit and the youngest of four siblings. This was not supposed to happen.
What Remains Is Love is an intimate family story-a journey of grief throughout DiMauro's brother's terminal cancer diagnosis as well as her emotional struggles both alone and with other family members. In reconciling and finding peace with his untimely death, the author details their relationship, sharing memories of a lifetime and intimate family history. She explores how navigating the loss of her brother, resulted in the unearthing and unpacking of her childhood traumas and repressed grievances. Through humor and heartbreak, joy and reflection, she examines what it means to truly feel our pain and the possibility that death is not an end, but a transformation that deepens our capacity to love and live.
We live in a grief-illiterate society. In confronting the silence that surrounds loss, death and dying, and through exploring how other cultures approach grief, not as something to hide or rush through, but as a vital, communal ritual that leads us toward healing. DiMauro shares a glimpse and a comparison of cultural differences in handling grief and loss and how might we stay connected to loved ones after they are "gone."
The author aims to offer the reader companionship through the mystifying chaos and helps map the hidden terrain of memory, trauma, loss, healing and love that emerges when we allow ourselves to fully grieve; and yet, everyone grieves differently. There's no single right or wrong way to do it. No map fits every person-or every loss. She hopes to enlighten other seekers and lessen the fear around death and dying.
Above all, Joanne DiMauro's story is a testament of love-dedicated to her brother Jon and shared with anyone who's ever wondered: "How do I survive this?"
You're not alone. What Remains Is Love can help you on your grief journey.
Dimauro, Joanne: - Joanne DiMauro, Author, Healing Artist, Grief Educator, Health Coach, Medical Fitness Specialist, Reiki Master, Novice Homeopath and Herbalist has written and recorded Know Your Body's Healthy Life Series of nutrition audio/e-books, a monthly health newsletter and blog, and contributed content to various health/wellness sites, WorkLife Matters & ME Women Magazine. Excerpts from her grief memoir: What Remains Is Love: My Journey of Losing My Brother and Healing through Grief were published in Kent State's literary journal: The Listening Eye Magazine 2024-2025 issue. Highlights of her performing arts career include: Radio City Music Hall Rockette, Bob Fosse Dancer in 1st National Tour of Sweet Charity, Greek chorus in Woody Allen's film-Mighty Aphrodite. Performing arts led her to the healing arts.For over 25 years Joanne has operated her own business incorporating all her healing modalities, bringing health and wellness to her clients. www.joannedimauro.com
