Sonia Caraveo, author of “El amor mas fuerte que la ausencia” (Love is Stronger than Absence), shares how the loss of her son led her to write a book and support others through their grieving process.
Where did the idea to write this book come from?
After the loss of my son, a year and 11 months ago. During my grieving process, I began writing him notes, like a kind of journal. Over time, people close to me encouraged me to turn it into a book.
What is the book about?
The book shares part of my son’s story, my journey through grief and the healing process I’ve experienced through my training as a grief support coach. It’s not directly based on the journal, but it is rooted in what that process taught me.
What is grief support coaching?
It is about accompanying people who need support or companionship. If someone is dealing with more complex situations, they are referred to professionals.
When I began to understand that everything was part of the grieving process, it sparked a deep curiosity to keep learning. I was drawn to the idea of being able to inform and support others who, like me, may be feeling this way and may not have someone to talk to. As I started to understand all of this, I began to heal and learn how to carry my grief.
The hummingbird on the cover seems symbolic. What does it represent to you?
The day after my son passed away, I was at home, in shock, asking myself many questions. I remember asking for a sign. I just wanted to know he was okay. At that moment, a hummingbird appeared at my window. There were no flowers, but it stayed there for quite a while, fluttering. It became my instrument of peace.
Tell us about your son.
My son was a blessing. He loved helping others and was very friendly. He was known for his smile. You could feel his presence; he had an unmistakable spark. He was like a warm hug, a heartfelt greeting.
He loved being close to me. He was very sweet. He was always attentive to what we needed. We always took care of each other. He loved fishing, and he passed away while doing something he loved.
What has your grieving process been like?
Today, I see it as a learning process. Although his passing has been deeply painful, I feel that he continues to teach me, even from where he is. Pain has also been a teacher. It has shown me a strength I didn’t know I had.
What would you say to someone who is grieving?
Don’t stay in that pain. It’s important to listen to yourself, to allow yourself to feel all emotions and not suppress them. Even when it doesn’t make sense, everything is part of the process. Over time, pain can also transform into strength and resilience.
“El amor más fuerte que la ausencia” is available in Spanish only and can be purchased at coachsoniacaraveo.com For more information, contact Sonia at coachsoniarubio@gmail.com
Additionally, “Un abrazo para el alma” (A Hug for the Soul), a grief support group in Spanish, takes place every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the New Castle Library at 6pm.