Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/
Dear Reader,
It was a strange day this past Tuesday. Initially when I started writing my column this morning I was going to focus only on Tuesday's good news: My book sold at auction on Tuesday, April 15th! What an exciting thing!
But Tuesday was also the day that I had to face the reality that Rudy, my 17-year-old white cat, has apparently been abducted by someone. And it was starting to sink in to my heart that I would probably never see Rudy again.
The auction for my book was at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and I'd decided earlier that morning that I was going to put my sadness on the shelf and concentrate on the joy of what was happening with my book, at least for a few hours. My agent was excited, editors who were bidding on my book were excited, friends and readers were rooting for me--a lot of people had put a lot of time and emotion into such a big day and I didn't want to rob them, or me, of the joy of the moment. And I reminded myself that this was the one-and-only day I would be able to celebrate, 'Today I sold my book!' So I whispered to Rudy that I was going to set aside thoughts of him for awhile, but I'd be back soon.
I felt like it was a count down for the space shuttle. T-minus five minutes and counting... 10:25... 10:26...three minutes more and the auction bids would be submitted. My phone would ring and there would be news. I was a bundle of nerves--surprisingly more nervous than I can ever remember being before.
And so it goes, frequently overwhelming joy and sadness are mixed together in life--same time, same place--and one of the mysteries is finding a way for these feelings to coexist.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com
AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors: Jessica Harper, Uh-Oh, Cleo; Megan DiMaria, Searching for Spice; Penny Vincenzi, Sheer Abandon; Meredith Hall, Without a Map; and Jane K. Cleland, Antiques to Die For. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
Suzanne, I am so happy for you about the news surrounding your book. Congratulations. I, personally, cannot wait to read it, and I'm sure the other members of the bookclub feel the same way. We're waiting for more news on it.
I know too well the pain of losing a pet, and it saddens me that you lost yours. There is no good time, but maybe having the wonderful news about your book will keep help keep your spirits up at this time. Life is all about balance, isn't it? My heart goes out to you. All the best to you!
Posted by: Caroline | April 17, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Your cat disappeared? I hope Rudy returns, or at least someone finds him.
...If not, at least you should be happy about the book. And I'm sure Rudy wouldn't want your usual schedule to get ruined (his favorite part of the day!)
...
*sigh* I'm not good at this...
Posted by: Kuma-chan | April 17, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Dear Suzanne,
I empathize with your loss of Rudy. We could not find our beloved elderly cat and I was devastated when the vet told me that often elderly cats crawl under a bush or something when they feel “their time” is coming. A neighbor called and said our cat was under his steps. We got him out and brought him home but he didn't last the night. He was not sick, just not looking quite right, which is why I had made a vet appt. Later the vet told me that when a cat does the going away and hiding under something thing, there is nothing the he or any other vet can do if and when the cat is found. I was just thankful that we found him in time for be there when he took his last breath. I am crying as I type this. I hope you have a better outcome and find Rudy safe and sound.
Posted by: Jean Kohler | April 17, 2008 at 05:27 PM
I am so sorry to hear that Rudy is gone, I hope he comes back safe and well. I am glad to hear that you have sold your book.
Posted by: Patricia Beaver | April 17, 2008 at 05:34 PM
If you hadn't allowed your cat to go outdoors you wouldn't have lost the cat. I don't mean to be harsh, my heart goes out to you on your loss, but look at the reality of the situation, would you allow your child out of doors alone?
Posted by: Lynn | April 17, 2008 at 07:26 PM