Adrianne Neville, a math teacher at St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville, has authored a chapter for “Threads of Gold,” a soon-to-be-released book written to help people overcome grief (David Wilhelm photo).

Adrianne Neville knows a thing or two about grief.

Neville and her husband, Jared, experienced the heart-wrenching loss of their 28-day-old daughter, Eden, in 2013, following complications from viral meningitis and myocarditis.

Neville leaned on her faith and the support of family and friends while she healed, understanding all along there was no manual to facilitate the process.

“I spent very little time being mad about it because I thought, ‘Who was I going to be mad at?’” Neville recalled. “The doctors did everything they could, and the God I believe in doesn’t hand out terminal diagnoses or have terrible things happen to people.

“I believe God was with us every step, every day, and He still is. My faith certainly was a big part of it.”

Neville, a math teacher at St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville, will soon be a part of providing help for people who are experiencing grief similar to what she encountered.

Neville was approached several months ago by Betty Mertens, who along with her husband, Kyle, also endured the loss of a daughter. Ella Mertens was 13 months old when she died of heart disease in 2017.

Mertens, aware of Neville’s story since both of their daughters had been patients at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, asked Neville to apply for the right to author a chapter for the upcoming book, “Threads of Gold,” which will be released digitally March 19.

The Mertens already had published books to help people navigate through grief, including “Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything,” released in 2022.

Neville advanced through the application process and submitted a 1,500-word chapter that will be included in “Threads of Gold.” Neville’s chapter is titled, “On the 29th Day,” which, of course, refers to the first day the family was without Eden.

Neville’s work will be included with 29 other chapters in the book.

“I thought, ‘Well, writing is the last thing I should be doing, but I’m going to give it a try,’” Neville said of her decision to complete the application. “All the chapters are approximately three to four pages. If you’re reading one that you’re not connecting with, then you go to the next chapter.  I’m excited to read everybody else’s (chapter).”

The book isn’t only testimonials, reflections and suggestions for parents after the loss of a child. Chapters will also deal with situations like mental health and unemployment, for example. Readers will hear from counselors, doctors and others who are eager to share their stories in the hope that they will provide assistance in a time of tremendous need.

“It will be good for people to read through our thoughts in ways that have helped us,” Neville said, describing her chapter as “matter-of-fact.”

“I don’t want to say I was feeling stuck in my grief,” Neville said of the writing project. “But I was often wondering, ‘What’s next? What am I supposed to do through (Eden’s) story?’ We’ve maintained two (Eden’s Army) foundation events a year. But is there supposed to be something more?”

Neville said she began by looking back at comments she made on CaringBridge while Eden was battling for her life. CaringBridge enabled Neville to provide updates about Eden’s condition without having to write individually to each person who was interested.

“They weren’t daily posts, but a couple of times a week,” Neville said. “It was really rewarding to read and see those things (again).”

Once Neville learned she would be writing a chapter for “Threads of Gold,” she looked for every opportunity to jot down some words.

“I never really have more than an hour to myself,” said Neville, who has four children. “It was honestly written while I sat and watched practices, or I sat in the car at a practice. Sometimes it would be right before bed that I would think of something and had to get it down. I’m not someone who can say, ‘I’ll write on that tomorrow.’ I know I have to get it down or it’s not going to be the same as what I’m thinking in the moment.

“I think I speak about grief matter-of-factly. That might be a turnoff to (some) people, but that’s the beauty of the book. If you don’t like my chapter or the way I’ve articulated things or maybe what I believe has helped … I’m certain something else will resonate with (readers)in the 30 chapters.

“I’m extremely excited to see the book. I got a sneak peak at the cover a couple of weeks ago. So I’m excited and, of course, nervous.”