IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
by Steven M. Darter

In In the Blink of an Eye, Steve Darter lays bare his soul to honor the memory of his beloved wife, Diane, and the sudden, devastating loss that followed after she died. What began as a half-century sacred bond turned into an agonizing void into the dark, uncharted wilderness of grief.

With heartbreaking honesty and beautiful poetry, this profoundly raw and emotional memoir documents Steve’s struggle to learn to breathe in a world without his partner. More than a quiet and powerful tribute to enduring love, this book serves as a highly relatable, comforting companion for anyone navigating the lonely road of loss. Through Steve’s journey from heartbreak toward enduring peace, readers are reminded that love is far greater than loss, and that with acceptance comes peace.


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In the Blink of an Eye: A Tribute to the Memory of My Wife Diane, Our Marriage, and My Journey Through Love, to Loss, to Peace

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

“Having lost two husbands and far too many people I love, and facilitating a bereavement group for 12 years, I found Steve Darter’s book, In the Blink of an Eye to be an absolutely beautiful and heartfelt tribute to his wife Diane. Many of us have experienced heartache when our lives suddenly change with a diagnosis, a phone call or the shock of finding our loved one gone. Life certainly does change “in the blink of an eye.” The suddenness of it takes our breath away. Steve shares many examples of love, loss and the rollercoaster of emotions that plague us for days, months and, unfortunately, for years. And yet, he reminds us in a meaningful way in his grief journey that "with acceptance comes peace.” A beautiful book about a beautiful lady and a beautiful life.”

--Katharina Paparone, Widow and Twelve Years Experience Facilitating a Bereavement Group

"As someone who has lost her beloved husband, I could easily relate to what is written in this book. Everyone has a life story to tell. In sharing his love, marriage, loss, and grief, Steve Darter encourages readers to tell their stories, just as he has. His poems spark feelings, memories, and reflections. This book is very real and would be a perfect resource for a spouse bereavement group. By sharing his grief, the author shows readers that love is far greater than loss. What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to his wife Diane, their marriage, and his memories!"

--Kathleen Ashwell, Widow

"Having recently lost my husband of over 30 years, as well as my first husband decades ago, I know firsthand how paralyzing grief can be. Yet, Steve has an extraordinary ability to give voice to these complex and painful emotions through beautiful and thoughtful poetry. This book is a comforting companion for anyone navigating the lonely road of loss. Thank you, Steve, for sharing your heart and your incredible gift with us."

--Alice Levas, Widow

"In the Blink of an Eye is a deeply personal collection of poems that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the loss of a spouse, or another loved one. Through these pages, Darter reflects on his wife, Diane, their marriage, the depth of his love, the pain of loss, and his gradual journey through grief toward peace. The poems are honest, intimate, and unguarded, forming a quiet and powerful tribute to enduring love. I found his poems beautiful and deeply moving. They touched me, and I believe they will touch you, too."

--Blaine Greenfield, Author and Broadcaster

"As a widower, I found that reading Steve's book In the Blink of an Eye brought up many emotions that I had while going through my own grief. Moments of tears as well as the many happy memories that I shared with my wife of 45 years. The poems were very endearing and told the true "Love Story" that Diane and Steve shared."

--Leo West, Widower

"As someone who has lost her spouse, I feel Steve's verses offer an opportunity for those who have recently lost a loved one and in the throes of grief but also those at the threshold of marriage to ponder deeply the joy and strength of an everlasting love. In the Blink of an Eye is a very meaningful book and pleasure to read."

--Vicki Orzechowski, Widow

"I have been a widow for 16 years. I have been facilitating a bereavement group for the last 11 years. I read Steve Darter's book In the Blink of an Eye. I found it to show the beautiful love and care he and his wife Diane had for each other. He expresses his feelings in poems that meant so much to me and brought back memories I have of my life with my husband. It shows the grief process Steve is going through. It is a good book for anyone who has lost a loved one."

--Colleen Rainone, Widow and Eleven Years Experience Facilitating a Bereavement Group