1.  What are signs that Jack has “lost his balance”?

2.  When you have received bad news, what do you do to cope?

3.   If you were Jack, how would you feel about reading Abby’s journal? 

What was the effect of his decision?

4.  What circumstances allowed Jack to begin working through his grief?

5.  Which of Pastor Luke’s “mini-sermons” did you find surprising? disturbing? challenging?  refreshing?

6.  What event do you feel was most instrumental in Jack’s growth?

7.   What might Jack choose to do to support others who have experienced grief as he did?  What might a person do to help someone else in their grief journey? 

8.  What are signs that Jack is regaining his balance?

9.  Consider the symbol of the heron.  What meanings did Jack discover?

10. What role does the wilderness play in this story? 

How have you experienced the power of the environment/God’s creation?