So sorry you’ve had to go through this. You’ve left us with a mystery (always the superb storyteller!) but my heart feels your pain. If there is a thing I can do, you know how to find me. Meanwhile thanks for sharing aspects of your difficult journey.
Wonderful, touching, well written newsletter. My heart goes out to you, Karen. I wish you happiness and rewards in your new reborn life on the Sunshine Coast. You inspired me to write my first book, then edited it. I'm sure you will do well in your new literary endeavour! xx Rod
Thank you so much, Rod! It’s been my pleasure and my honour to have been in small way, a part of your writing success. It warms my heart. As do you. Thank you for being an integral part of my support network. 💓
At first, I admired your writing skills and kindness of heart to help others. Later, it was your courage to deal bravely with a never-ending series of calamities.
Grieving is long and labourious work. With our loved one, we bury part of ourselves. We bury our loved one a dozen times a day — that empty chair, that favourite mug. The reminders are ubiquitous.
After months and months of struggling, you’ll feel that you’re getting a handle on this. Then you have a day in which everything collapses.
The word which best captures this is ‘normal.’
The first year is very hard. So many firsts! First birthday. First anniversary. First Thanksgiving.
The first year is very hard; you must grieve. The second year you must begin to give up grief.
That is harder.
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself all the compassion, forgiveness and grace that you need. When it is time, learn to accept his unspoken thanks for being the love and light of his life.
Karen, it is so wonderful to hear from you. I’ve thought about you many times over the past year, wondering how you were doing and wondering, also, about Glen. I am so sorry that he died; what a grievous blow. As for what else has happened I am very puzzled, as someone else has noted. Hoping you can tell us more when the time is right; for now, it feels like a very important missing chapter. P.S. Becoming a book coach seems like a marvelous idea (I did that for years, although not trained by Jennie Nash.)
Thank you so much, Debbie. I have also thought of you often, as I read your wonderfully authentic and inspiring posts. I appreciate your kindness regarding Glen. Yes, I didn’t intend to dangle a mystery in front of readers’ noses. Right now, it’s just how it has to be. In the meanwhile, my friend, let’s have our hands at each others backs and keep on keeping on. 💓
I’m glad to see you’re emerging, yes, as the beautiful butterfly.you are. You’ve gone through some very dark times and I’m sorry you’ve had to endure so much emotional pain. Now that spring is on its way and the days get longer, I hope you’ll continue to find more light and strength to do what you love.
You’re an exceptional writer, with so much to offer. I look forward to reading what you write next. Knowing the care you put into everything you do, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.
And it’s so exciting that you’ve also decided to become a coach for other writers. Wishing you much success in this new endeavour. ❤️💐Diana
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Diana. You have been a huge part of my support through all of this. I feel blessed to have met you at a writers’ conference and that we’ve stayed connected all these years. 💓
Karen, I wish that I had words to soothe your spirit, but I don’t. I do offer you my dear mom’s advice to me when I was in my own cancer journey, “One step at a time.” Karen, may grace cover your every decision, memory, and minute of your day and night. Love.
Thank you so much, Wendy. 🩶 I love your mom’s advice to you and thank God you have survived your cancer journey. I will think of you both when I get overwhelmed and remember to take it one step at a time. Xoxo
Karen, how brave to write this post. As if losing your husband was not enough to turn your life upside down, you received backlash and misery that you were likely unprepared for.
Your mantra is lovely. Keep it close. I hope you will grieve at some point. Wrap it up. Strength to you!
Bless your heart, Mary Ann. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. How blessed are we to have so many other women’s hands at our backs? Like you 🩶
Oh my friend -- you've been on the roller coaster of a lifetime, and yet your grace and humour still shine through. While this past year+ has been fraught with challenges and loss, you are emerging. I'm so excited for you to embark on this next chapter of your life and delighted to be your biggest cheerleader! XO Pamela
Oh, Dear One. Just oh. 🩶 Thank you for having had your hand at my back through everything. I owe so much gratitude to you and the many others—old friends and new (especially here on Substack)—who have been there for me. Thank you for being such a gift in my life. xoxo
So sorry you’ve had to go through this. You’ve left us with a mystery (always the superb storyteller!) but my heart feels your pain. If there is a thing I can do, you know how to find me. Meanwhile thanks for sharing aspects of your difficult journey.
Thank you so much, Linda! The non-sharing is by necessity; not by choice. I hadn’t considered the mystery aspect of it…lol! 💓
Wonderful, touching, well written newsletter. My heart goes out to you, Karen. I wish you happiness and rewards in your new reborn life on the Sunshine Coast. You inspired me to write my first book, then edited it. I'm sure you will do well in your new literary endeavour! xx Rod
Thank you so much, Rod! It’s been my pleasure and my honour to have been in small way, a part of your writing success. It warms my heart. As do you. Thank you for being an integral part of my support network. 💓
At first, I admired your writing skills and kindness of heart to help others. Later, it was your courage to deal bravely with a never-ending series of calamities.
Grieving is long and labourious work. With our loved one, we bury part of ourselves. We bury our loved one a dozen times a day — that empty chair, that favourite mug. The reminders are ubiquitous.
After months and months of struggling, you’ll feel that you’re getting a handle on this. Then you have a day in which everything collapses.
The word which best captures this is ‘normal.’
The first year is very hard. So many firsts! First birthday. First anniversary. First Thanksgiving.
The first year is very hard; you must grieve. The second year you must begin to give up grief.
That is harder.
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself all the compassion, forgiveness and grace that you need. When it is time, learn to accept his unspoken thanks for being the love and light of his life.
Karen, it is so wonderful to hear from you. I’ve thought about you many times over the past year, wondering how you were doing and wondering, also, about Glen. I am so sorry that he died; what a grievous blow. As for what else has happened I am very puzzled, as someone else has noted. Hoping you can tell us more when the time is right; for now, it feels like a very important missing chapter. P.S. Becoming a book coach seems like a marvelous idea (I did that for years, although not trained by Jennie Nash.)
Thank you so much, Debbie. I have also thought of you often, as I read your wonderfully authentic and inspiring posts. I appreciate your kindness regarding Glen. Yes, I didn’t intend to dangle a mystery in front of readers’ noses. Right now, it’s just how it has to be. In the meanwhile, my friend, let’s have our hands at each others backs and keep on keeping on. 💓
Dear Karen,
I’m glad to see you’re emerging, yes, as the beautiful butterfly.you are. You’ve gone through some very dark times and I’m sorry you’ve had to endure so much emotional pain. Now that spring is on its way and the days get longer, I hope you’ll continue to find more light and strength to do what you love.
You’re an exceptional writer, with so much to offer. I look forward to reading what you write next. Knowing the care you put into everything you do, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.
And it’s so exciting that you’ve also decided to become a coach for other writers. Wishing you much success in this new endeavour. ❤️💐Diana
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Diana. You have been a huge part of my support through all of this. I feel blessed to have met you at a writers’ conference and that we’ve stayed connected all these years. 💓
Karen, I wish that I had words to soothe your spirit, but I don’t. I do offer you my dear mom’s advice to me when I was in my own cancer journey, “One step at a time.” Karen, may grace cover your every decision, memory, and minute of your day and night. Love.
Thank you so much, Wendy. 🩶 I love your mom’s advice to you and thank God you have survived your cancer journey. I will think of you both when I get overwhelmed and remember to take it one step at a time. Xoxo
Karen, how brave to write this post. As if losing your husband was not enough to turn your life upside down, you received backlash and misery that you were likely unprepared for.
Your mantra is lovely. Keep it close. I hope you will grieve at some point. Wrap it up. Strength to you!
Bless your heart, Mary Ann. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. How blessed are we to have so many other women’s hands at our backs? Like you 🩶
Oh my friend -- you've been on the roller coaster of a lifetime, and yet your grace and humour still shine through. While this past year+ has been fraught with challenges and loss, you are emerging. I'm so excited for you to embark on this next chapter of your life and delighted to be your biggest cheerleader! XO Pamela
Oh, Dear One. Just oh. 🩶 Thank you for having had your hand at my back through everything. I owe so much gratitude to you and the many others—old friends and new (especially here on Substack)—who have been there for me. Thank you for being such a gift in my life. xoxo
Sorry for your loss. And keep writing.
Thank you so much. 🩶 It feels good to be back in the writing chair!