Under the Laurel Tree

Grieving Infertility With Saints Joachim and Anna

By: Nicole M. Roccas

Narrated by: Nicole M. Roccas

Infertility ranks among the hardest griefs a couple can face. Yet this painful issue is all too often neglected in both church and society. Under the Laurel Tree traces one God-fearing couple's journey through the emotional turmoil of childlessness. By following the story of Saints Joachim and Anna, this book helps individuals and couples navigate the loss inherent in infertility amid the pain of shame, separation, anger, bargaining, and blamelessness. In walking alongside Joachim and Anna, we encounter not only a life-giving template for grief, but also the path back to ourselves, our partner, and our God-given vocation of eucharistic thanksgiving.

©2019 Nicole C. Roccas (P)2019 Nicole M. Roccas

Heartfelt, honest, and welll researched

A powerful text from an Orthodox lay person that balances personal narrative, scripture, Apocrypha, and survey research. A must listen for anyone in an Orthodox parish, given how many thoughtful dos and don'ts she provides to guide the well intentioned but nosy or inexperienced. Her on emotive reading makes the text all the more powerful than the words on the page alone. highly recommend.

The Dos and Don’ts

I LOVE this book! Every time I listen I hear a part I didn’t notice before!
This read through I was most touched by the Dos and Don’ts even though they are meant for those supporting those of us going through infertility. I found it validating to hear those things said out loud! And knowing that others have felt hurt by people doing or not doing the things listed. I recently bought to copies of this book for the priests at our Catholic Parish for Christmas! I am hopeful that they will read them!

A Treasure Trove of Wisdom

Loved every single page, thank you for writing this book Nicole Roccas. I real treasure once hidden and now found!

Beautiful, Informative, Healing

As a woman struggling with both biological and situational infertility, this book was something my soul desperately needed.

Much needed

This book is awesome. Other than how smoothly it flows and well written it is, it does the difficult job of tackling the impossible question of suffering, real pain and God in the midst of it. While i am not married or have children i picked up this book in hopes of understanding others' pain. I surprisingly found comfort as i wrestle with my own suffering, pain, and wondering where God is in all of it. I mostly appreciated how the book did not provide an easy answer, instead it takes us on a journey that validates the reader's feelings while providing good theological insight. Mostly an assurance that God is indeed still good, despite what the suffering may lead us to think. I would recommend this book to anyone who knows a couple struggling with infertility, or grappling with their own grief/loss.