This past week, we lost our faithful black lab. She had been with us for nearly thirteen years and was an important part of our family. In the chilly morning breeze, I sat on the deck overlooking the garden. She ambled over in her shuffling gait and snuggled against me with her head in my lap. I held her as the vet administered the meds to take her from our lives and cried as her breathing slowed and life ebbed from her.
It was the single most gut-wrenching thing I have ever done, and even as we knew it was the right thing to do, my heart shattered that day.
In many ways, my main character in WHISPERING MINDS goes through a similar experience. I can only hope that Granny's words to Gemi in the following passage are true.
The only light came from the glaring fluorescent bulbs and the stench of antiseptic hung heavy in the air. I closed the book. "I can't do this."
Granny's hand found mine. "You must, child. It's what we both want."
"Wanted." The word popped out before I could stop it. I didn't even try to keep the next ones back. "It's a trilogy."
We did that, the two of us. We read trilogies, as if the promise of an incomplete story would be enough to cheat death. That was impossible now.
"Keep reading so I can find out if she lives."
"You know she does." My voice cracked, dry from reading, drier still from the thought of never finishing. "That's why there's another book."
Granny tapped the cover, her voice clear, though her eyes were not. "Just like there will be for you."
"Just like there will be for you."
No matter how difficult life seems at the moment, always hold on to the fact that there are more books in the story of your life. You have paragraphs, pages and chapters waiting to be populated by new characters and steadfast friendships. Each sentence is a chance to move forward--to discover new things.
Your life is a novel, written one word at a time.
Forever and Always,
Alexandra Tys O'Connor
If you liked the passage above, please check out the first chapter of WHISPERING MINDS on the First Chapter tab and stay tuned for my debut novel's release on November 1st.
3 comments:
I like your analogy about our lives resembling books. I remember the day my dog died last year. He was also a lab. I can't remember feeling so alone.
It is heartbreaking, Grace. The thing I keep telling my kids is that while loving is painful, to not love hurts even more. Our other dogs keep looking around for her and moping nearly as much as we are!
Hugs :)
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