Marilyn Cejka Steinberg, M.N. '79

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"Burying My Parents with Love and Laughter," the first book by Marilyn Cejka Steinberg, M.N. '79, was released last September.

"The purpose of this book, wrote Steinberg, "is to help people find comfort and humor despite their grief in the loss of their parents. It is available in paperback and Kindle formats.

"I have belonged to a book group of wonderful insightful women for many years. In our early days, we talked about writing our own books. One day our discussion leader of the month told us to stop fantasizing and to write a story for the next meeting. Having been the kid in school who always did my homework, I think I was the only one who completed that assignment. I brought an essay on my comical experience with an unusual family-run funeral home when my mother and I made arrangements for my father's service. The group members laughed and encouraged me. Over 20 years and many challenging and humorous life experiences later, that essay has been expanded into my book.

"I have been a registered nurse and a clinical nurse specialist all of my professional life, and have focused on writing and reviewing scientific papers. However, I always heard the call to creative writing. I hope this book serves its intended purpose of helping readers navigate grief with storytelling and laughter."