An inspirational and deeply moving Napa Valley debut memoir
A Mother's Extraordinary Journey from Heartbreak to Hope
One moment changed everything.
When my third son Jonny was born with a devastating diagnosis, our family entered a world we never expected.
This is the story of what it took to hold our family together.
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GRIEF GRIT GLORY
Why Pre-Orders Matter
Pre-ordering now helps this story reach the people who need it most. Thank you for being a part of that.
Every family’s story has chapters. Mine unfolded through Grief, Grit, and ultimately Glory.
About the Book
Grief Grit Glory is a deeply personal memoir about motherhood, faith, and the courage it takes to fight for your family when life breaks your heart. Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley, it weaves together heartbreak, humanity, and the healing power of care.
Raising our young boys, life felt full of promise until Jonny’s fragile beginning—born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)—radically changed our family’s future.
His life led us into a world we never expected—one that challenged the systems meant to support families, redefined motherhood, and revealed the depth of sacrificial love.
It was the beginning of a path that would reshape our family forever.
Readers who were moved by Educated, The Glass Castle, or Option B will connect with the emotional honesty and resilience in Grief Grit Glory.
Photo: Pamela with her son Jonny in the early days.
Families Aren't Replaceable
As Jonny’s life unfolded, our family entered a world we never expected to navigate. Medical complexity, caregiving decisions, and systems not always built to honor family bonds, reshaped the road before us.
But even in the hardest places, God was at work. He did not remove every trial, but He prepared the path through them. In seasons of sorrow and uncertainty, I found grace in the storm and strength drawn from a well I did not know was there until my faith was tested.
Forging a new dream opened doors for families like ours—families who needed to be reminded that they aren’t replaceable.
Photo: Jonny at age three, sharing a moment of connection and care.
Praise For Grief Grit Glory
“More than a personal story, this book is a gift to any parent navigating grief while holding onto hope...Through her vulnerability, she offers something powerful: connection.”
— Shari Leid
Attorney, Author & National Speaker
“For parents who need a mentor through the valley of despair, Pam shines a light—not only on how to advocate for your child, but how to care for yourself and your family.”
— Leslie Vernick, MSW
National Speaker & Author of The Emotionally Destructive Marriage
“An inspirational memoir that captures both the pain and the growth of a mother whose faith and grit carry her through devastating circumstances...Easy to pick up and hard to put down.”
— Bev Hansen
Former California State Legislator
“Sometimes life is hard, and sometimes the people you depend on don’t show up. But through her struggles, Pamela learned to look to God and grow in her faith.”
—Dr. Douglas Cowan
Psy.D., LMFT, Founder of Calm Waves Brain Health
Thank You for Your Support
Meet Pam
Pamela Jessup Runner writes from the heart about motherhood, faith, and the strength it takes to hold a family together.
Her storytelling is shaped by a life journey that has included advocacy for families of children with disabilities, entrepreneurship in Napa Valley’s wine community, and the enduring lessons of love and perseverance.
Now residing in Sacramento with her husband George, Pam finds inspiration in family life, time at their Tahoe retreat, and traveling the world while continuing to write.
Grief Grit Glory is her debut memoir, with more stories from her life in Napa Valley yet to come.
International Readers
I'm grateful to share that GRIEF GRIT GLORY is available for pre-orders internationally
Readers are already finding it in Canada, Sweden and Australia. Please ask your favorite book seller to get you a copy.