Suddenly Single: A Guide for Rediscovering Life After Tragic Loss

How can you begin rebuilding your life when the sudden loss of someone you love shatters the happiness and contentment you have created together? This is the dilemma author Ruthann Reim McCaffree faced when her husband Terry fell from a ladder and died, suddenly, at the age of 61.

How can you begin rebuilding your life when the sudden loss of someone you love shatters the happiness and contentment you have created together? This is the dilemma author Ruthann Reim McCaffree faced when her husband Terry fell from a ladder and died, suddenly, at the age of 61. One moment they were a happily married couple of 40 years facing a normal, hectic, work day. The next moment Ruthann found herself faced with the task of making arrangements for her husband’s memorial service, all while dealing with intense feelings of sorrow and despair. As a means of coping with the aftermath of losing Terry, Ruthann began keeping a record of the events following his death. This journal became “Suddenly Single: A guide for Rediscovering Life After Tragic Loss”, where Ruthann shares her personal journey following the devastating shock of losing her life partner. Ruthann has shaped this into a touching memoir and tribute, which also serves as an inspirational guide to help those who are experiencing a similar loss in their own lives. Provided within the context of Ruthann’s story are her “Ten Survival Steps” serving as a thoughtful framework to help others work through many of the overwhelming aspects of grief. She offers tips for answering the most basic of questions (“How are you?”), as well as how to learn to laugh again. All of this comes with one goal in mind: helping others restructure their lives after losing a loved one. Woven through the narrative that is both candid and poignant, “Suddenly Single” is a life-affirming gift for those who are ready to embrace the first hopeful steps of healing and recovery from the pain of loss.

Author, Counselor, Life Coach, Change Management Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Corporate Trainer Ruthann Reim McCaffree, founder and owner of Career Management Institute since 1989, counseling and coaching since 1984, believes in maximizing one’s potential through effective change management. A skilled and sensitive counselor and life coach plus an inspirational trainer and keynote speaker, Ruthann consistently receives high ratings from her business and personal clients. Above all, she is a woman who leads with both her head and heart. Her expression is real, funny, honest and hopeful. She cares deeply and always reaches for the best in herself and others. Service and Community Active as an Economic Development Commissioner in her city, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, first woman president of the Tacoma Narrows Rotary Club, Ruthann was also 2011 Co-chair of the successful University Place Library Capital Campaign. From corporate trainings for AT&T, and the Frank Russell Company to a featured speaker at the Cork, Ireland Federation of women’s International Leadership Conference, she believes in service and delivers an empowering message. Ruthann speaks what we need and want to know. Credentials Ruthann Reim McCaffree, MA, NC, LMHC, CPC: Ruthann is nationally certified as a counselor with a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Pacific Lutheran University, Washington State Licensed as a counselor and Certified as a Professional Coach. She has appeared on-air for KIRO, KOMO radio and KSTW-TV and has been quoted in Self and Redbook magazines and USA Today newspaper. Her company, Career Management Institute is a Washington State resource in Richard Bolle’s nationally recognized book, “What Color is Your Parachute?” She has been honored for excellence in the National Distinguished Service Registry, Who’s Who in the West and Cambridge Who’s Who and was selected as one of 1995 “Women of Distinction” by the Pacific Peaks Girl Scouts of America. Publication Her new book, “Suddenly Single: A Guide to Rediscovering Life After Tragic Loss”, available for purchase through suddenlysinglethebook.com. Her book -- candid, heartfelt and helpful, shows how even a journey that starts with heartbreak can lead to a happier place.