One of Mom and Dad's favorite authors is JA Jance. I think they had ALL of her books and had met her personally at book signings in the valley. She writes a couple of different mystery series: The Joanna Brady mysteries (about a female sheriff in Bisbee, AZ), and the JP Beaumont mysteries (about a detective in Seattle). Before her first novel was published, she wrote a book of poems called After the Fire which she wrote while dealing with the end of her relationship with her alcoholic husband. Dad was touched by one of her poems, "Insomnia" and sent Ms. Jance an email to thank her, a copy of which was in a pile of papers on his desk:
Sept. 26, 2008
Dear Judy,
Just a thanks note. I'm the Paul from the signing in the Chandler Hamilton Library that mentioned that you had me crying at the removal of Dan Sloan's body. And it gets me everytime I re-read that chapter.
I'm also the Paul part of Paul & Carol. However, Carol passed about a year and change ago from cancer complications and other things. We had 50 years together so that was good. The 50 years, that is. The thanks part comes from you bringing along "After the Fire" to the signing. When I got to "Insomnia" that hit me squarely. Like you have been looking in the windows. It made much sense to me and finally I can begin to encroach upon the "other side" of the bed. So thanks ever so much.
Hugs,
Paul
Ms. Jance replied:
Dear Paul,
Thank you for writing. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife. Compared to the fifty years you shared, a year and some change isn't long. I hope After the Fire gives you some comfort. Grief takes time.
JAJ
4 comments:
do you just wake up in the morning and think "hm. how can we make brenda cry?"
i miss them all the time.
subonsa
Oh how he loved that poem. After getting to know him better, he showed it to me, and left the room while I read it. After forty years with my first husband, that poem hit the nail on the head for me too.
No, my daily goal is not to make Brenda cry. My daily goal is for ME not to cry! We've been packing up the kitchen at Mom and Dad's house. So much of Mom is in that kitchen. It's like losing her all over again. I miss them both, every day, too.
decti
What a sweet letter. I have such a thoughtful family. Sorry you're all leaking.
mutive
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