Gary's story began with a childhood of mixed messages and sexual abuse. This was followed by other losses and numerous grief experiences. Ultimately, a painful past led Gary into a life of helping wounded people heal and grow. A former college minister, missionary in Japan, entrepreneur in Hawaii, and pastor in Texas and Washington, he now serves as a writer, speaker, chaplain, and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas. Gary is the author of a dozen books, including the newly released Difference Maker Series (Living on the Edge: How to Fight and Win the Battle for Your Mind and Heart and Difference Maker: Overcoming Adversity and Turning Pain into Purpose, Every Day) and the award-winning bestsellers Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, Teen Grief: Caring for the Grieving Teenage Heart, and Heartbroken: Healing from the Loss of a Spouse. Gary has won two national book awards and his books have been honored as national book award finalists seven times. He has been featured on Focus on the Family, Dr. Laura, Thrive Global, Belief Net, the Christian Broadcasting Network, Wellness, Bustle, The Family Educator, the Family Bookmark, Professor's House, and other major media. Gary has over 700 articles in print. Recipient of the Diane Duncam Award for Excellence in Hospice Care, Gary is a popular keynote, conference, and seminar speaker at a wide variety of venues. He founded and coordinates The Suicide Prevention Project and is part of the Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention. He is a member of the Texas Authors Association, the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals, and the American Academy of Grief Counseling. Gary loves being a husband and father. He has seven adopted children, including three daughters from Colombia. He enjoys hockey, corny jokes, good puns, and colorful Hawaiian shirts. Gary and his wife Jen and family live in Texas. Visit Gary at www.garyroe.com.
