As a fairly private person, the story I contributed is deeply personal…so much so that after the initial excitement of having my story selected, I contemplated declining. Having said that, while I write to indulge my imagination, I also write as a way to heal. So… on page 297 you’ll find my story Just Be There. It’s a story of grief. My grief. The grief I experienced following the death of my husband. It’s a story of my bulldog Ruka. Wild Ruka. Stubborn Ruka. Yet, it’s a story of how she showed me her incredibly intuitive side and helped me through an unimaginable time in my life. I never imagined I would be an author of one of those stories that had me reaching for a full Kleenex box, but here I am. And while I certainly wish I didn’t have this story to share, I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to share it, with the hope that it may just reach someone who needs to read it.
I have learned a lot about grief over the years, and what I know is that where there is grief, there is love (and I’m purposely using present tense). I truly hope that my story doesn’t only bring tears of sadness to those who read it, but that it brings tender reminders to love deeply. So, cozy up with a cup of tea and maybe even a blanket. This edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul is the best one yet!
