Years before Dominic ran ahead to Heaven I had a little magnet on my fridge of a sinking ship with the words, “Another Day, Another Disaster” printed below.
Our lives never did run according to plan (which was a source of serious irritation to this list making, schedule printing homeschool mama!).
But it was really just a joke-because we knew whatever “disaster” befell us, in the long run it wouldn’t be that hard to work around.
Now I know exactly what true disaster looks like and feels like.
I understand precisely how life altering here-one-minute-gone-the-next news shatters a heart, a family, a worldview and a future.
So my days of resolving this or promising to do (or not do) such and such each New Year are over, over, over.
All I can muster is taking time to assess what’s currently working, what definitely needs to change and then point my heart and mind in the direction of progress.
I try to arrange the day and physical surroundings to create space for the new habits I hope to acquire. I remove temptation, when possible, to make it harder to keep indulging the ones I want to be rid of.
Which leads me to a change I’d like to make in this space for the coming year.
Many of you have been faithful followers for months or years and your feedback, encouragement and support have been a huge blessing. I pray, in return, what I share helps your heart too.
I’ve had many requests to put the posts into a physical book or devotional but up to now I haven’t had the mental, emotional energy or time to do that.
There are almost 3,000 published posts and over 1,500 lurking in my draft folder. I have dozens more topics I long to cover but doing the research for and writing an original post usually takes two to three hours and I’ve been hard pressed to find that kind of time.
I’ve thought about the best way to work through what I’ve already written, discover gaps that need to be addressed, see what patterns emerge which might point toward the shape of a book or devotional and then get some help making it happen. I’ve decided that for at least a few months I’m going to group previous posts (and finish some draft posts!) on specific themes so it will be easier for me to accomplish this task and for others to give me feedback as I do.
The downside for readers is that if they want to read what I’ve written on a wider variety of subjects, they will have to either wait through a current theme or use the search feature to find it.
I can’t promise I’ll make it past the first month.
I’m no good at guessing what a day will bring much less a whole year!
But if you are willing to journey with me and help by commenting, I’m game to try.
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thelifeididntchoose 
I have been hoping I could find your words in print on paper somewhere. God is using your gift with words to help me and so many others hold on. In the darkest first few weeks of losing Tara, every post I could find that you have written spoke words I could not find. I was alone. I am so sorry for your loss. This second year broken by the loss of my Tara has been harder than the first in a different way. You are honoring your son’s memory with this precious ministry of walking back into the darkness to help me and others. I am so grateful.
Sent from my iPhone
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Melanie, you will make an excellent job of whatever you choose to do and it will benefit so many of us bereaved parents.
Take good care my friend across the ocean xxx
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Your writings have been so helpful to me. I so appreciate the time you take to write your thoughts and feelings, because they validate mine in so many cases!! I encourage you to write a book and am very proud of you for so deeply sharing. Carolyn for Tim❤️
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Melanie, you do whatever it takes. You have been a rock to everyone reading your posts, bless you in everything you do ..we are right behind you!
I don’t think you realise just how much you are appreciated and so loved ! Thanks dear Melanie xxx
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I’m glad to see you move towards a book. Baby steps can accomplish it! I understand not having the emotional energy❤️. I’m cheering you on from the sidelines!! You have been such a blessing to me after the loss of my son. ❤️
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Your words were the words that reaches my shattered heart. I would love to have a book or a devotional. I loss My daughter suddenly almost 2 years ago. She was 38 years old and my very best friend. It is still so hard. I too have other children and grandchildren to love. I want To honor Tara’s legacy by loving the way she did. It’s just so hard and painful. I read what you right everyday. I thank God that he has empowered you to share what so many can not find words to express. Prayers for you as you decide how best to continue.
Glenda Richard
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I really appreciate your words and perspective.
Thank you for allowing me to read anything you write.
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Sounds wonderful and your efforts are appreciated! Thank you for everything you do, Jennifer (Jackâs mom – 1/4/2000-2/14/2021)
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I’m game to try. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings – they so often match mine!
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