Dear Reader,
In a recent column, I wrote: "Everyone has a calling on this earth, a unique gift to share with others. So every morning I quietly listen and follow my heart for the day's assignment. Over the years, sometimes my assignments have challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, because it's not what everyone else is doing. But I've always been rewarded with a tremendous amount of joy. And who knows, maybe these assignments are the main ingredient for my own happiness."
Book club reader Eileen T. wrote...
"Suzanne, your column today struck a chord with me. After my son's unexpected death at age 20, I marveled at how uniquely people responded to our grief. Knowing many people would be arriving from out-of-state, some brought canisters of coffee, paper goods or various beverages. Many brought salads and casseroles, and my best friends served them between calling hours, jamming themselves into my hot kitchen and deciding which items to offer, and staying late to clean up. Some sent flowers to the funeral home and some to our home, beautiful planters we could enjoy the rest of the summer. There were callers, card senders and emailers. A surprise to me was how many sent money--something I would have never thought of--but much needed since I took a month off work. My neighbor had his lawn guy do our lawn too, for the next month. Someone who I barely knew saved the funeral program, and sent me a card on [my son's] birthday the next spring. For the two weeks following his death, my friend put a big Rubbermaid chest on our porch, so people could leave their food offerings in it, without having to ring our doorbell if we weren't up to visitors.
What if everyone sent flowers or a card? My experience would have been so different. I relished how each person, doing what felt natural to them, helped me through all the facets of that hard time. Being true to ourselves is 'the' way to bless others. Thanks for the reminder. It's good to read your words each morning!" -- Eileen T.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
P. S. There's still time to enter my Very Cool Shirt Giveaway. I'm not kidding, I'm giving the shirt off my back to a book club reader. To see a photo and enter the giveaway, click here.
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KIDSBUZZ: Know kids 8-12 who are into science and adventure? Fans of Percy Jackson? Then ATLANTIS: THE ACCIDENTAL INVASION by Gregory Mone is a perfect next read. For a chance to win a free copy, talk with the author, and more, see KIDSBUZZ
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