In 'Grief and Donuts: A Memoir About Death and Loss During a Global Pandemic,' I take you on a deeply personal journey through the transformative year of 2021—a year that would forever alter the course of my life. At its core, this memoir is a heartfelt tribute to my cherished Uncle Mike, whose vibrant spirit, kindness, and unyielding resilience left an indelible mark on my life and the lives of those who knew him.

Within these pages, I not only recount the final months of Uncle Mike's life but also weave together the rich tapestry of his existence. From his modest beginnings and early challenges to his accomplishments and the profound love he shared with family and friends, his story serves as a testament to the beauty of ordinary lives infused with extraordinary love. Through letters, photographs, and the shared memories of those closest to him, I paint a vivid portrait of a man who found joy in life's simplest pleasures and whose laughter could brighten even the darkest days.

Beyond being a memoir of loss, 'Grief and Donuts' stands as a celebration of love and the enduring connections that bind us together, even in the face of the most formidable adversities. It serves as a poignant reminder that, even as life takes unforeseen turns, the love we hold for those we cherish remains unbreakable, transcending time and distance.

I extend an invitation to you to embark on this journey, traversing the profound and personal moments that defined the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we'll pay homage to Uncle Mike's memory and the invaluable lessons his life and passing have imparted—lessons about love, loss, and how even a cup of grief is best served with a donut.