Life and Death... And Romance... by Christine Bush

Life and Death… and Romance…

Why do you read romance?  There are some days, when a good emotional story with a happy ending literally saves my life. At least my emotional life.

Life is full of ups and downs. For me, this year has included lots of downs.  In a long life, experiencing the grief and loss that comes from the death of a loved one has to be expected, as anyone will tell you.

 But that doesn’t make it easy.

When I love people, I really love them.  I’m betting it might be the same for you.  So even though I know that a loved one who has endured a lot of pain, and that death relieve them of this, the grief of losing them can be overwhelming. I know that they are in a better place, but that place that they occupied here on earth, in MY life, is empty and sad.

 

Grief. The cost of loving. It’s worth it, but hard.

I lost many this year, my dear sister, my son in law, four fantastic friends. This week it was Tracy. A bright light in this world, a dear heart, a dear friend. She is at peace, I know.  But I am… sad. I’ve cried a lot the last few days. I miss her already.

It’s been hard to write this year.  I’ve made bits of progress, more by sheer determination than by inspiration, but good habits die hard.  And experience has taught me that the words will flow more freely after a while.

But meanwhile… YOUR stories, fellow writers, keep the sun shining.  The joy of love, of mind blowing characters, of tricky conflict and ingenious resolution give my mind a rest from the often difficult thoughts and duties that follow death and loss. I’ve needed a good happily ever after, and I’ve found it in the books of my favorite authors on many sad days.  I’m so grateful for these reprieves in the dark times. Thank you for that.

Because life, a little like a good book, flows on.  In the midst of the pain and loss, I’ve been given the gift of another miracle.

My grandson, Anthony was born a micro-preemie baby at 1 pound, 10 ounces in October.  With prayer and medical miracles, this little guy fought for his chance to live for 132 days in the neonatal unit.  This week, he came home! And yesterday, this grateful grandmother got the chance finally, to hold him in my arms. And yes, I cried, but this time with happy, grateful tears.

 

Life, I guess, is like that. Life and death.  Hopes and memories.  Ups and downs.  We get though by helping each other through the hard times, and sharing celebrations of the good times.

And often, in between, by taking a reprieve and enjoying a good, satisfying book that reminds us that life is good, and love is what it’s all about.

Whatever you’re going through, I wish you peace.  And love.  And a good book.  What gets you through? I’d love to hear.

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense.  She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.   When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

Christine's  “Sunny Smile” is a sweet romantic mystery set on the Navajo reservation!

https://www.amazon.com/Sunnys-Smile-Christine-Bush-ebook/dp/B071NS96NP/

                        

                                               

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