Virginia Patton is a mother of six who lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She has one daughter, five sons, and six grandchildren. She is a motivational speaker, writer, and counselor and has worked as an educational American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for over twenty-five years. Virginia has also co-written curriculum for ASL. Her greatest joys are spending time with her grandchildren and writing, reading, and enjoying all that is Alaska!

Virginia lost her twenty-nine-year-old son suddenly from a heart attack and felt compelled to author this book about grief and moving forward in the midst of great pain. Armed with  steadfast faith in God, she has faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Virginia wrote this book for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one at any stage in life. Its pages are filled encouragement, hope, and God’s Word.

Her vulnerability and honesty will provide insights as you walk through this valley and lead you to a place of hope. In addition, she has included thought-provoking questions that serve as an instrument of peace.

It is her prayer that God will use her experience to uplift and guide you as you dive into the waters of grief. Through these pages, you will learn of a loving God who wipes away every tear and loves you with everlasting and powerful love.

While her husband was teaching a Bible study, Virginia received a phone call on a day that began like every other—yet ended like none other. She had lost her twenty-nine-year-old son to a sudden heart attack. That phone call began a journey full of emotions—confusion, anger, mourning, grief, and more. Along the way were the “It’s not fair!” and “Why?” moments. But armed with steadfast faith in God, she has survived the journey, faced every parent’s worst nightmare, and found peace. As a result, Virginia was compelled to author this book to uplift and guide you as you navigate the waters of grief. She knows you can move forward during great pain because of her experience.

Joy in Jumping is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one at any stage in life. Virginia has filled the pages with vulnerable and honest insights into the grieving process. She shares how she dealt with triggers like birthdays and holidays and helps the reader pour out their hearts to God through the pain. All the while, Virginia provides encouragement and hope from God’s Word. In addition, she has included thought-provoking questions that serve as an instrument of reflection and peace.

Her son would jump into her arms without looking through child-like trust. Through these pages, you will learn of a loving God who wipes away every tear. You can jump into His arms while grieving and be held by His everlasting and powerful love. You can find joy in jumping into your Father’s arms.