Permission to Thrive
My Journey from Grief to Growth

In her memoir, Susan traces her extraordinary journey…
which begins when her healthy fourteen-year-old daughter dies within days of being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, and the family’s decision — with their rabbi’s counsel — to donate Laura’s organs, saving the life of a woman with whom the Miller family would cultivate an exceptional relationship. This intensely personal story addresses the universal topics of death, illness, and trauma while conveying a hopeful message.
Life-changing tragedies might be impossible to predict or prevent, but it’s the response to these adversities that influences the extent and likelihood of post-traumatic emotional growth.
Quote from Book
“Comparing trauma, healing, or even the pace of our own recovery to anyone else’s dishonors our humanity and ignores our wonderfully imperfect individuality. Trauma and loss are deeply personal, as is our reaction to them, but we can intentionally choose to welcome the happiness we still have, even in our most dismal moments.”
-Page xx of Permission to Thrive
Quote from the Book
“Comparing trauma, healing, or even the pace of our own recovery to anyone else’s dishonors our humanity and ignore our wonderfully imperfect individuality. Trauma and loss are deeply personal, as is our reaction to them, but we can intentionally choose to welcome the happiness we still have, even in our most dismal moments.”
-Page xx of Permission to Thrive

Reader comments
Permission to Thrive takes the readers behind the scenes and inside the author’s private experiences and emotions as she deals with the unthinkable…
Susan’s book is very well written, heartfelt, honest, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, and uplifting at the same time.
-Julie Schnoll
The lessons extend far beyond how to move “from grief to growth.” The book presents a strong case for developing networks, finding your tribe, and creating family where perhaps you don’t have one.
I highly recommend this book!
– L.R. Hofland
The journey of Susan and her family will remind you how strong and powerful the human spirit is. The family took a personal tragedy and turned it into a miracle for another family.
Thank you for sharing Laura’s story and the importance of organ donation to the world.
-Amazon Reader
This memoir speaks to anyone who fears when the next bad event will occur and how they will respond. This book reveals the human ability to grieve, survive, and eventually thrive.