In October of 1975, Jeff Joutras was pulled out of his freshman religion class at Providence Catholic High School to hear the devastating news: his father had tragically died in a workplace explosion and fire at Union Oil’s refinery, leaving his wife and seven children behind.

Jeff’s moving account tells how the grief of the loss followed him for decades, through his career and through his own journey as a father of five, the loss ultimately manifesting in a depression that he hid for years. After dwelling on the loss, Jeff overcame his fear and pride and finally reached out for help. In the process, he found a new perspective on life, death, and living on this side of eternity. My Dad’s Rose will resonate with anyone who has struggled with the loss of a loved one. Through his personal recounting, practical advice on dealing with dark thoughts, and confronting the mysteries and metaphors of faith, Jeff shows how our greatest hardships can make us stronger.

I like to think of death as a rose God gives to a family, but one he doesn’t divide evenly.
Why? Why now? But why not now? Here is a man who has done more in 48 years than many do in 78.
Being a man, a father, and a company leader, I always thought I had to be strong, to be in control. Ultimately, life teaches us lessons, sometimes hard lessons to learn, but in trying to be strong it led to my extended suffering.
Concentrate on the rose in your life, the beauty and the bloom, the fragrance of living on this side of eternity.