Readers of this blog and A Good Home have encouraged my family and me through some crazy times this year.
You’ve consoled and encouraged me in the domestic arts, including the two times I tried making outdoor Christmas arrangements! Several readers offered compliments, tips, commiseration, inspiration.
And Arna sent me this photo.
“I told you I have a planter like yours!” she said.
Yes, Arna, but yours is far more assured.
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From last fall to this spring, I had to abandon virtually all my book-related activities and take to my bed.
Some of you decided to help. You bought my book, and wrote wonderful reviews.
Phil reviewed A Good Home for an American book website last year, then created computer-assisted images promoting the book.
John G. took my book with him on his annual canoe trip, then wrote a review too.
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In Avery, Texas, 90 year old Lou Mathis and his wife Aggie were themselves struggling this September. Their farm business was suffering because of its name, “Isis”. (Isis was the ancient Egyptian goddess, but in today’s climate, not a popular name.)
Lou asked on their blog: “WHAT DO YOU THINK? For some reason I refuse to give up the… ISIS FARMS. But would painting the sign OVER IN GREEN……”
I asked you to reply to Lou and Aggie and many of you did. Wonderful, caring replies that helped them make their decision. It’s now called “Aggie’s Farm”.
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In October, Canada’s national radio network, CBC, aired my interview with celebrated host Shelagh Rogers.
I’d been nervous about it. But people like John V. wrote to my blog afterwards:
“I heard you speak on the radio about healing and it gave me perspective and hope for my own circumstances. Sincere thanks for sharing.”
Such validation for a book completed in dire times!
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On crazily painful days, I often forced myself to write poems, making fun of myself and my home life. Some (like Stiletto Heels) became blog posts, which made you laugh, uplifting me in return.
Andra wrote: “I absolutely howled with laughter reading this. Thanks, Cynthia! Have had similar thoughts watching the young ladies strutting about in high heels and skimpy dresses in inclement weather. And like you, I recall being just as foolish back in the day. Great poem.”
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Then, without warning this fall, life changed perilously. My husband nearly died.
Titled No Words, my poem expressed the raw agony our family experienced.
In reply, you warmly supported us with prayers, consolation and good wishes.
Incredible kindness, especially because I’ve never met most of you in person.
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“Thank you” hardly seems enough. But thank you, anyway.
For your kindness.
And for being part of my world.
My best,
Cynthia.
Cynthia Reyes 