Wow, this is Post 300. I know when I started this online grief journal, I had an overwhelming need to make Morgan’s passing mean something. I was compelled to somehow make something good come from it. If it was only helping others also experiencing grief - that was something. I knew the writing would also help me process my feelings.
What I couldn't have known was who would show up to get or give support. While some of the readers and subscribers are friends and family, most landed here for reasons only God knows, and became friends along the way, all but one I’ve never met in person, but truly friends nonetheless. You have all been a very big blessing all along the way. Thank you!
I remember how I felt this time last year approaching the Christmas season and the one-year anniversary. I was so so sad much of the time, but doing my best. The counselor said I needed to keep busy, so I committed to myself to get the rough draft of the book, started in the fall of 2021, completed.
Before writing this post today, I decided to check out what I’d posted this time last year. Yup! Sad. But it was also the post where I’d gotten out the two prints and kept them out, prints that made me more aware that the veil between here and the next realm is closer or thinner than I had always thought.
Here's the post
As Christmas decorations pop up everywhere now, I’m not getting hit quite as hard as last year, “the passage of time” (some of you might get the use of this phrase and think it’s funny). has indeed helped heal a bit, but I’m nowhere near the place of wanting to celebrate Christmas or be around Christmas festivities. Just thinking about it brings an increased heartbeat and a pit in my stomach. My hope is that one day I might have a grandchild or two and he/she will be the catalyst to get me back on the right track. Time will tell.
I have plenty to keep me busy right now, though. Not only, busy, but lately stressed out even. I won’t bore you with all the details, but let’s just say the publisher I chose, chose not to be very upfront about something pretty big. That entailed me having to whip together an “Amazon Digital Exclusive Edition” which, as of today, is in the Quality Control process. It required a different cover and I updated a bit of the text.
Last summer, my wonderful friend and ex-neighbor, Sarah, had recommended having the book in audio form. I am so happy she mentioned that, as I think the audiobook could possibly do better than any of the other formats. The paperback arrived last week, but for sale on Amazon, it is much more expensive than intended.
Audible required a different version of the book cover, too.
Just listen to his voice read the dedication!
I’m putting in links to Amazon and Outskirts Press. It might be a week or two before all formats are 100% available. I just couldn’t wait any longer to let you all know!
If anybody who reads “I Can’t Imagine” wants to listen or read a pdf version for free, just contact me at therebelshike@proton.me and I will be happy to share a google drive folder with you.
If you choose to read or listen, thank you! If you feel led to help me get word out to your church, other churches, Christian schools, or Homeschool networks in your area, please get in touch with me at the above email address. If people are interested in the paperbacks, I get a very good author discount and can ship right from the publisher. When posts start appearing at The Rebel's Hike Continues, and you would be open to commenting there, we can hopefully be used by the 3-in-1 to move these younger generations (who thankfully already seem to be moving in that direction now) into better decision-making and morality.
Today's “visit.”
Thanks for posting Joan. Im excited to see what the Lord does with your book!! Love the dedication 🙏❤️🥲Mo is cheering you on and we are too!
Hard copy ordered! I look forward to reading it. I am glad this project has given you a space to work through your grief, and I hope your son has settled into his new town.