A Bonteheuwel woman who journalled daily to help her cope with her husband’s death, turned her notes into a book, which she hopes will help others in mourning.
Bianca Brandt started jotting down her emotions shortly after her husband, Sergio Brandt, died almost three years ago. Mr Brandt was a gospel singer, songwriter, guitarist and worship pastor. He died of a secondary infection while in hospital for Covid-19 in August 2021.
On Friday April 19, Ms Brandt launched the self-published Till Death Us Do Part at Gangstar Cafe in Mowbray.
“My husband’s death awoke a lot of issues I had to deal with. When I went through my grief, my journal entries helped me to cope. This led to the book. When I started on the book, I had to reread my journal entries and revisit that painful place. The book is very practical, as I am hoping to encourage others going through the same. However, I don’t hold the blueprint on how to deal with loss. This was my experience, and I encourage my readers to go after their healing,” Ms Brandt said.
Everyone mourned in their own way, and one should not feel ashamed if that way was perceived to be different from the norm, she said.
“It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to cry for help. It’s okay for others to see the ugly. You also don’t have to feel ashamed about how you’re healing. God created doctors and medicine, and if you need medication for anxiety, this is nothing to be ashamed about.”
Email aandiebrandt7@gmail.com if you would like to buy the book, at R120 a copy.
