Wow! My books are listed on Goodreads.com, and I’m officially a Goodreads author! It was quite a surprise to see them there when I did a search, yesterday. I’m guessing they include all books that are available on Amazon, but seeing them there made me feel like an “official” author!
It’s still a little unsettling to realize that I’ve published my private thoughts and feelings for the world to see, but I’m getting used to it as time goes on. It is extremely rewarding to receive feedback and comments from widows, widowers, and others who have lost loved ones telling me that something I’ve written has resonated with them or has helped them by seeing their own grief experience put into words.
I’ll admit, when I read a comment where someone has expressed his or her pain or tells me a story of loss, I’m usually driven to tears. But, I’m still very grateful for the feedback and for having an opportunity to hear how others have coped, and for the opportunity to feel a kinship with so many others who share their grief journeys. It makes baring my soul worth it.
My GoodReads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/…/18576610.Katherine_Billings_Pal…
Why couldn’t I have been brave enough to eulogize my husband at his Celebration of Life? I wanted to say so much and thought I could wing it. I failed and ended up recounting a story of no special value. Maybe I was too caught up in all of the planning. Now, it’s yet another day I want to do over. I wish I had found your blog earlier for courage. Thanks for all of your wonderful writings. You are a gift.
Karen…perhaps this response is too late to be of any help, and I apologize. I intended to write sooner, but somehow life keeps getting away from me.
Please don’t be so hard on yourself. Planning a Celebration of Life for your late husband was work enough in the fog of grief you were experiencing following his death! You honored him in your eulogy no matter what. Perhaps you could post something in a newspaper or on Facebook on the anniversary of his death. The things you wish you had said, but that your weary mind couldn’t handle so soon after the devastating effects of his death.
Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m sending hugs your way. Be kind to yourself. Your husband would want that, wouldn’t he? – Katherine