As some of you know, my dog, Crosley, and my step-dad, Charlie, were both ill last week. I would like to thank everyone who sent their prayers, good wishes, and happy thoughts our way. We lost both of them on Friday the Thirteenth, just 6 hours apart. I was there for the one, but not the other. My husband held strong 100 miles away, as he cuddled Crosley during his final moments.
Since then, I’ve been reading a lot of Ibsen, drinking too much strong tea, and helping plan the funeral for the man who raised me. Yesterday, in a few short hours, I finished a short story that I started a year ago. Thank goodness that my words have not failed me. Blogging will be hit or miss for the next week or so, but it will not cease. I love my little A Small Press Life community too much for that. Some day, when I am up to the challenge, I will share with you what Crosley and Charlie meant to me.
“It’s so curious: one can resist tears and ‘behave’ very well in the hardest hours of grief. But then someone makes you a friendly sign behind a window, or one notices that a flower that was in bud only yesterday has suddenly blossomed, or a letter slips from a drawer…and everything collapses.”-Colette
A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea. 
Our thoughts and warm wishes for inner peace go out to you and your family.
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Thank you. We are grateful for your kindness.
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My sympathy for your losses, maedez. Too much loss, all at once.
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Thank you so much, Judy!
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Hi Maedez,
*Virtual Hug* my friend. I am so sorry about your losses. And you are right, anything can trip you up in the ‘be strong,’ plan. But it’s completely ok. You’re allowed. And when you’re ready, I’d love to hear what both of them meant to you.
Also congratulations regarding your story though. 🙂 That is wonderful/wonderful feeling right?
I hope we get a peek sometime too. But I take your time lady, grief is definitely a process.
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Thank you so much! I will definitely share with you what they meant to me, when the time feels right.
The story is basically finished, except for one more round of edits. It felt good to get it out of my system largely in one go, and I think it is good, too.
Oh, you are not joking about grief being a process. It is a constant up and down, up and down. But being surrounded by family and friends (including the virtual kind) 🙂 is incredibly helpful.
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You got it. Okay (your share) in time. It’s okay, take your time. I’ll be here.
I can identify with this one more round of edits. 🙂 I can only imagine this all in one go. I can imagine what it must have felt like though. Lol. Wonderful!
That’s great Maedez. Times like this should be easier with us. 🙂 Glad it’s helping….
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Ha, since then I have done 3 rounds of edits. All for a 1,500 or so word short story.
It did feel wonderful to get most of it done in one go, just a few hours at that.
Getting on here and reading everyone’s lovely comments has made things a bit easier. You can definitely build a wonderful community on WP. I am grateful that I have been able to.
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That’s okay. Three rounds or ten. So long as you’re comfortable with what you wrote in it’s final form right?
So maybe you should pen more short stories in one go, like that? 🙂 🙂 🙂 Great way in…
I’m glad we’re making things easier, this really is a tough time. But I agree you, you definitely can build a wonderful community on WP. And it helps at some important crossroads…
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I am quite happy with the result! 🙂
I do when I can, although it is not always possible.
You have, indeed, so thank you again! 🙂
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That’s good. 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂 🙂
(Hope today is a good day Maedez.)
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Thanks! It is a little better every day. 🙂
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You got M.
*Glad.*
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I am so sorry to hear of the tragic days you have suffered. Blogging has been the best therapy for me after the loss of my best-girl and co-pilot, my dog Arwyn and the sudden death of my best friend and brother, Lance. Sometimes you just have to get the words out of your heart. So write, grieve, and know that you have fans that are here to lend support.
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Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I am so sorry for everything you have been through. Creativity is such a wonderful thing to catch you mid-fall.
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I am so sorry for your loss!
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Thank you!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your losses. Writing and creating can be a great comfort in times of grief. It’s good that you have that to help you. I really enjoy reading your wonderful blog. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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My creativity is proving quite helpful! Thanks for your kind words.
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Stay strong, one day at a time. So sorry for your loss.
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Thank you!
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Hugs and warm, fuzzy thoughts.
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Received. Thank you!
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Sad to hear of their passing on. Blessings.
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Thank you!
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Words fail at times like this to bring much comfort, but we are all thinking of you with great empathy and hopefully that will help you through. Bonne courage xxx
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Aw, thanks! I appreciate it.
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Wishing you peace and comfort.
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Thank you!
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Nice blog you have here, and I like your philosophy. Sorry about your loss.
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I am glad that you enjoy the blog, and I appreciate your sympathy.
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Just stopping by to say hi:) Hope you’re doing okay. Long days and nights but thinking about you.
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Aw, that is so sweet of you! I am okay. There are ups and downs and all that jazz. My husband picked up Crosley’s cremains today, and my step-dad’s funeral is tomorrow. Then, next week, we have to pack up the contents of his apartment. Sigh. I won’t be home for at least another 10 days, although it is nice to be able to spend so much time with my family.
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That quote you posted almost brought me to tears. Isn’t that the way with grief?
I hope you’re doing OK. There’s something necessary about strong tea in such times, no?
I’m pulling for you. 🙂
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Aw, I was not trying to make people cry. Honest!
Tea is the best cure!
Thank you so much! 🙂
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