Anyone else feel like the days are moving too quickly? I mean, it is the 5th already. Seems like I was just trying to make my way through the land mines of Christmas and now we are in a whole new year. I have such mixed feelings about that and the worst part of it is, there is not a thing I can do about how I feel.
Yesterday was 9 months. That is beyond crazy. I didn’t say it out loud to anyone. I didn’t need one more pitying look of “oh, she still counts the days,” I imagine those who have walked this path before me get to that same point…. people do not necessarily want to know that you are still at an enormous level of pain. People want you to “get better” “move on” “be who you once were” and I am not sure if any of those things are in my near future.
Anyway…
Gatsby.
Last February my friend Amy and I went to a Library fundraiser in St Paul Minnesota. It was a Gatsby event and I was beside myself with excitement to see how they would pull this event off. I already was having visions of how I could have such an event in my area. We were going to be early to the event so we decided to go and surprise my son Justin who was working less than 5 minutes away from where we needed to be. This is another one of those crazy things I am so thankful for… I had bonus time with my son that I did not plan for but it just happened. We hung out with him for about an hour, shared an appetizer and were on our way.
This year, I am happy to announce that Gatsby will be happening in my home town. The Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library will be sponsoring this event on March 18th. Justin and I had talked about this. I have tried for two years to make this happen. Initially the plan was to do it last spring and things did not work out that way and now knowing how everything went down last spring I am so thankful for that. If we had been planning Gatsby, I may not have been with my son on April 1st and 2nd. I may have been too busy to get away. Crazy how things work out but there it is.
Here is a link to our Gatsby event. We have a live jazz band, a local dance studio providing swing lessons, an EXPERIENCE auction and a costume contest. I wish with all my heart that Justin was here because I know he would attend and he would bring friends… but I do know he is proud of me for doing what I said I hoped to do. So Gatsby…. it is.
In other news my first book, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone is coming along nicely. At first I struggled a bit and was unsure if I had made the right choice. This copy of the book is Justin’s and I was hoping to find comfort in touching each page as he had. It took a while to pick up the flow but a couple of nights ago while Al watched the football game I curled up in bed with this book and it started to come together for me. I am so glad I chose this book to start 2016.
How is your first book coming along?
Book Journey 
The event sounds great.
Even though I’m old and a grandfather(!), I really enjoyed the entire Harry Potter series. I think it’s one of those rare series that can appeal to all ages.
People who have never experienced that level of loss, pain, devastation can’t understand and that is okay. It’s hard, but okay. You are a different person now, living from that date forward (with courage). The Gatsby event sound like great fun. I’ve finished my first book and need to sit down and compose my thoughts.
I love the idea of the Gatsby event…sounds like fun. And the coffee beans in your background is another delightful element. Enjoy!
You’ll think of Justin every single day for the rest of your life. I am so proud of you for being so open and honest about your grief. More people need to know how hard it is to “get back to normal.”
I’m so excited for you about the Gatsby event! That is very cool! I’ve finally been getting into audio books, having listened to the Martian and the Rosie Project. Both hilarious listening! I saw the ads for the 5th Wave movie and couldn’t help but download the book onto my iPad. Love a good apocalyptic story! The Mitch Albom book will just have to wait a little longer ☺️
Sheila, the Gatsby event looks elegant and fabulous! I love the coffee beans background (I am thinking about hosting a related challenge). I’m enjoying my First Book of the Year, and you’re to thank for hosting the challenge that led me to it! 🙂
The Gatsby event looks Ike so much fun it is always fun to dress like a flapper of the 20-30s. Sheila, we never forget our loved ones, each year we remember them, we never stop loving them, sometimes it just takes some longer to get through the grieving period than others, but slowly your life will get back to a somewhat normal routine. My son died 11 years ago in August, but when the anniversary of his death arrives I never forget. But we try to remember the good times we had together just as you are doing. I am sending you love and hugs…
Have fun at the Gatsby event. Love the photo.
My first book which turned out to be In Another Life is pretty good.
ENJOY the rest of your week.
Oh, that Gatsby event sounds like so much fun!
The Gatsby event sounds so fun!
I’m glad you are still talking about Justin. I can’t even imagine the pain you’re in. I’m glad you feel like you can share and hope you get at least a small comfort from doing so.
Sheila,
I have followed your blog for a few years now, but never commented. I love books and have loved following your adventures with them and feeling in some way like we were friends (or would be) because of it. As a new year begins I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the loss you’ve had this past year. I have been touched by your honesty and courage as you have faced what has to be the most difficult thing a mom could face. Please know we are praying for you and hoping this year brings peace.
Oh how happy he’d be to know that you are following through with Gatsby!
Sheila, I have a friend who lost her son (to suicide) back in 2003. When it comes to dates, there are some things that will always come to mind, but at some point you will probably not focus as much on months, but years and other milestones in that respect. Though there is no “normal,” especially with these circumstances, I would still say it’s “normal” to feel as you do oxox
And with the book…though I thought I could finish it before Jan. 1st, I was actually in the middle of another book (Crenshaw) as the new year began, so my choice for first book (Bellman & Black) is not quite first, but I started reading it yesterday. REALLY looking forward to it!
I wish I lived closer so I could attend the Gatsby event!! There was a Gatsby New Year’s party by me but I need to be real, me out in the middle of downtown at that hour of the night? If I were spending the night maybe but I am not one for being out on NYE. I so love Gatsby though!