Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts in Writing

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Beth Mead

Second Advisor

Maud Kelly

Abstract

Seven Hour Education is a hybrid of a collection of personal essays, and a short memoir. It chronicles my experience at the death of my son, Nicholas, and the resultant aftermath, some of which has come still years later. At times the material is contradictory in content and emotion, but this is to be expected as grief is a conflicting and fluid state of being. Much of the writing focuses on the "unexpected," situations and considerations most people aren't aware of in the life and perspective of the recently bereaved.

"Seven Hour Education" narrates the even of my son's birth, and death seven hours following. It also introduces some of the concepts explored in the other essays.

"People Say the Stupidest Stuff' details some of the thoughtless and hurtful things that people unwittingly say in response to a death. It also explores the idea that death causes a breakdown in effective communication.

"Empty Arms and Angry" covers my dismay at finding myself leaving the hospital, feeling empty. Within the essay is a brutally frank description of the rage felt by both myself and my toddler.

"So I Don't Like Easter" and "Birthdays Are for the Birds" are companion essays that relate the frustration and pain that have paired themselves with these annual events.

"Parental Pain" delves deeper into the mourning process and addresses that parents of the bereaved are hurting on additional levels.

"Resident Expert" covers the sudden role of being everyone's go-to person when a death occurs within their social circle.

"Surprising Comfort" shares the outreach of others and the unexpected touches that introduce comfort and healing in our lives.

"Life After Death" serves to conclude the collection, with some reflections on what it means to live after a death, coupled with a sense of hope.

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