Chapters of My Life

I have always loved reading.

When I was a kid, I used to ride my bicycle to the Ancaster Library and load up on books. I would chat with the librarians about good reads. I enjoyed my time at the library!

I loved Language Arts! I excelled in Language Arts (mathematics was not my forte). Writing stories, spelling tests, a spelling bee, book reports, and volunteering in the school library made me smile.

I spent a lot of quality time reading with my children. I also read with children who needed a little extra help with their reading. I met some fantastic kids and their families, along with other wonderful parents, when I volunteered in the reading room. 

Complete disclosure

The first year after my son died, I found it very difficult to read. I was too wound up. I journaled a lot, but reading was tough.

I stopped going to Book Club. (I loved Book Club).

It was too difficult for me to continue volunteering with the school children.

Kind People Left Grief Books at Our Door

Some people would appear at my door, sharing what they had learned from a grief book. (Very thoughtful). My family was given a Bible to read and told it would help us grieve. At the time, this made me very angry. I have come to realize that it was a sincere attempt to soothe our hurt.

Heartwarming books written for grieving children were also given to us. (Children grieve very differently than adults).

My Love of Reading Returned

There are books all over my place!

I will be going back to Book Club this fall.

I was having coffee with a friend yesterday, and we were chatting about books – great reads, inspiring reads, and hilarious, silly stories.

One of my Thanatology professors told me I should write a grief book. I think I will blog...

Over the past few years, I have given some children in my apartment books for Christmas. I think next Christmas I will give them gift cards so they can choose the books for themselves.

My dad is a wise old man. I have some treasured books he gave me when I was in high school. I always enjoy our conversations about books we have enjoyed or disliked.

My mom was very kind, religious, and an avid reader. We did not always agree about books or religion. She always found solace in grief through prayer. Everyone is different. We both had strong opinions. That being said, when she was in palliative care, I read her Bible to her. I knew it would comfort her. I did a reading at her funeral. She was always so pleased when I read at school masses as a child. I no longer attend mass.

A New and Wonderful Chapter

In June, my daughter Caroline and her husband Dustin became parents! Margot Judith is my beautiful granddaughter. We are all so happy! Her Uncle Matthew smiles non-stop when he holds her.

I found a book of nursery rhymes for Baby MJ! I am so delighted to see so many books in her room.

Fond Memories

When Margot is older, I will tell her all about her Uncle Clarke, who lives in Heaven. Our Clarke truly enjoyed playing sports and reading. Perhaps she will enjoy one of his favourite books. Her Uncle Matthew, Uncle Clarke, and I had great discussions and so much fun reading Swindle by Gordon Korman. We would take turns reading it out loud. We laughed, smiled, acted goofy, and read together.

It was the last book we read together.

Books have always been a part of my life, and they always will be. They are a comfort, a joy, and a way to keep memories alive.

Yours in hope,

Denise