By Caroline Clemmons
Do any of you remember the old TV sketch called “That Was
The Week That Was”? There are times—especially
this year—when I feel as if I’m living in a television sketch or a horror movie instead
of reality. Or, perhaps I’m on a parallel plane and I can’t get back to the
real world.
This is why I love writing fiction. I can invent any
scenario I want and make it turn out happily for everyone but the villain(s).
Writing and reading romance books makes me happy—especially when the news and
life create horrific scenes.
My firm belief is that romance novels and novellas bring
hope. Hope we can redeem past wrongs. Hope for a better world. Hope for better
families. Hope for tomorrow. Hope!
Whether you prefer your romance novels sweet and clean or
hot and steamy or somewhere in between, the theme is the same. Hope for
happiness. Isn’t that what we all wish for?
Unfortunately, life doesn't always grant our wishes. This year has been tough for Hero and me. In addition to health crises, my cousin to whom I'm closest lost her husband, my husband's sweet cousin lost her husband, my sweet and funny second cousin lost her life to cancer that was misdiagnosed until it had spread.
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| Mina in her chapeau for the Red Hat Society luncheon |
This past week a dear friend died who was a member of the
local book club I attend, Book Divas. Mina was a kind, generous, fun, compassionate person who is certain to be missed by everyone who knew her. Another dear friend, Karren, with
those same qualities, was the one who requested the sheriff’s office make a
well-check visit early Saturday. Mina—Karren’s best friend—hadn’t answered her phone or texts.
Fortunately, Karren’s husband accompanied her to Mina’s home and waited with
her. When the sheriff’s deputy arrived and broke in the door, Karren didn’t
have to face alone the terrible news she already suspected.
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| Mina in her Elf costume for our book club's annual Christmas meeting/party |
Dear Friends, life is far too short! Don’t let old hurts fester and grudges separate you from friends. Keep in touch with family members. Don’t let a day pass without telling those you love that you love them.
Go forth and love one another! Give one another hope! And, when in doubt, read a romance.
(In loving memory of Mina Faye McClendon Bruner. R.I.P., Sweet Friend)
It's been a strange month for us, Caroline. I hate to hear about your writing buddy. Our group lost Sandra Robbins in January 2018. She was the backbone of our group, and one of the two who started it. Nothing's been the same since.
ReplyDeleteThe month of May came in like a freight train and ended like a wreck for us. First the storm that took half the roof off our shed. Dealing with insurance and contacting a repair guy. Then on May 22nd, we lost a good friend who had battled cancer for 9 months. Kent and his wife Malinda were our dining-out-after-church friends. We loved them dearly.
You had such a frightening experience and I'm so grateful you weren't in front of your kitchen window when the gust hit. I'm also sorry for your loss. I pray June will be better to everyone than May was.
DeleteSo sorry for your losses. This season will go down in history as a scary, sad time for our country. Personal loss makes it even more painful. I pray that God will comfort & heal us all.
ReplyDeleteI second that prayer, Pam. I never thought I would see our country in such turmoil. Losing loved ones deepens the pain. Thank you for caring.
DeleteAs lucky as we are, I have to say 2020 has been a kick in the teeth for us, too, although we haven't lost anyone near and dear to us like you have--over and over. My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteLosing someone close to you is heartbreaking. Sending warm, positive thoughts to you. I was so happy to see May disappear in my rear view mirror, and I'm hoping for a pleasant, more gentle June ahead--but the news on t.v. doesn't seem to indicated that it's likely to happen. To everyone: Hang tough and be safe.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the losses of all the great friend and family.
ReplyDeleteMay the Goddess hold you all in her healing loving arms.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us hugs and more hugs xoxoxo peggy clayton
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry, Caroline. What a rough year it's been for you. I am sending prayers for comfort and hope. I love the positive message of your post.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Caroline. It's been a tough year and losing people we love just makes it seem so much worse.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was working back in Y2K or when 2000 rolled in. There were all sorts of stories of doom and gloom and how terrible that new year would be. Somehow, I think we missed it by 20 years.
ReplyDeleteLove you lots Caroline and praying for healing of the heart and soul.