A friend emailed recently to say he liked the quote I had posted (by Louis L’Amour.) In return, he offered the following quote by Ernest Hemingway, who wrote in “A Farewell to Arms”:
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places.”
Here’s my question, a two-parter: How is the world breaking you? And how is it making you strong?”
Sharon, I have wanted to tell you for some time now how much I enjoy reading your column. I am recently divorced after 40 years of marriage. Not something I wanted but because of an alcohol addiction issue with my husband I felt I had no choice. Sometimes you have to surrender and step aside and let God do His work. As a woman we tend to think we can fix things. This time I couldn’t. What I have found so helpful during all of this is hearing others stories. I know this can’t be compared to the loss of your first husband but in many ways it feels like a death to me and I am in mourning. I look forward every Sun. to you next column. Just wanted you to know that you have been given a great gift by God. We all have thoughts in our heads but can’t quite put them in print like you can. You are a good, sweet person to share your stories with all of us and I am grateful. With great admiration, Dorothy
My son in law lost his job in February. My “job” was babysitting my grandson after preschool. So, I basically lost my job too. I still drive a hour twice a week to see him, and my daughter pays me for those days, so Daddy can escape the house and job hunt. But with a greatly reduced income, I’ve pulled out all the money saving tricks learned from my mother, who grew up in the Depression. I’ve also used the time to finally finish my first novel, hopefully to soon be available on Amazon!
Congratulations on finishing that novel! I’ve been trying to finish one for years. Hats off to you!
Thank you so much! Blessings to you & your family!
I feel like I’m truly part of the ‘sandwich generation’. I work full-time & have a grandson who’s now 19 months old who is truly the light of my life. But I also have my mom (90 yrs young) who a month ago was diagnosed with lung, liver & pancreatic cancer. But surprisingly it’s her dementia that’s taking the biggest toll. I feel she is slipping away each day. Although she doesn’t remember if I haven’t called my normal 3 times a day or come by – I remember & feel guilty. This Thanksgiving I spent it my precious grandson ( in another town) but all the while I’ve thought about my mom. My grandson will never know my mom & that breaks my heart. But hopefully her spirit will continue to flourish through me into my grandson & the grandchildren to come.
Cheryl, your mom and your grandson are lucky to have you in their lives. Here’s wishing you, and them, all God’s best!