Thanksgiving is only a week away- shocking, right? I still have Halloween decorations up-although I had no trouble putting away the Halloween candy :). 
Some mixed emotions have made their way to the surface-Thanksgiving week 2 years ago, my mom began what would become two and a half months of hospital visits. But, it’s also when I signed my contract with Sky Pony Press to publish THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM.
This November, my daughter left her teen years behind and turned 20! I still can’t wrap my head around that one. I mean, there’s no way that I’m 20 years older… So, it makes me nostalgic for her younger years and of course my mom was also a big part of that.
Then, I think way back to a Thanksgiving about 15 years ago, I mistakenly thought I had very little to be thankful for. My body betrayed me with unbearable pain. I spent most of my time at the doctor’s office, physical therapy, or in the hospital. I had to give up the career I worked so hard to achieve, and I didn’t feel that I could participate in my daughter’s life as much as other mothers did with their children. I went through quite an embarrassingly long pity party (one that even crispy rice treats could not help); until I realized that even though I lost opportunities in my life-I was alive (which was touch & go for a while), my daughter was healthy, and my husband loved me.
Now I can look back and see how far I’ve come since one chapter in my life ended and I began to write new ones (figuratively and literally).
In early October, I had my New England Book Launch at An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café in Plainville MA. Being able to discuss and sign my book with family, close friends who had known and cared about my mother for years, as well as friends I hadn’t seen in such a long time, made me feel so loved! I’m grateful that I had that opportunity and that they were so happy to share that moment with me. On top of that, the bookstore, (which you really should visit if you live near there-it’s magical), is owned by Jeff Kinney, author of THE WIMPY KID Series (yup, that Jeff Kinney) so he has some incredible NYT Bestselling authors that visit. I signed the same author guest book that Rick Riordan signed three days before I was there!
While in New England, I had been invited to visit the public middle school in my hometown of Woonsocket, RI. I had never presented to 125 6th graders before, and they were a wonderful audience. I got back so much more from these students than I had given them.
A couple weeks later I was invited to do my first solo author session at the North Carolina School Library Media Association annual conference in Winston-Salem.I was nervous, but met so many great librarians, authors, and teachers.
Earlier this month, I participated in Charlotte Mecklenburg(CM) Library Foundation’s—EpicFest. Authors involved in this literary festival were award winning, New York Time Bestsellers, and me. I wanted to keep pinching myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. The CM Library arranged two fantastic school visits – my first high school-North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, and Wadell Language Academy in Charlotte. Both classes studied Japanese. Thankfully, they didn’t expect me to speak Japanese because they would’ve been sadly dissapointed. They know far more Japanese words than I do 🙂
The big CM Library celebration was on Saturday at ImaginOn in Charlotte. Over 2,000 children/teens were there to hear and meet their favorite author or illustrator. It was so great for me to meet and chat with these authors and illustrators, so I can only imagine what their fans felt like!
(with NYT best selling MG author,Tui Sutherland)
THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM was also on sale at the festival. Being able to meet so many tweens/teens that wanted to read my book, or had read my book and wanted to tell me what they liked about it brought me such joy.
Most recently I’ve been invited to book clubs. It’s been interesting visiting groups that have already read my book.
As I look back to all the events that led me to right here, recovering from a pain flare, one week before Thanksgiving, I’m truly grateful that my life didn’t go on the path I had originally thought it should. Because, if I hadn’t spent extra time with my mom and heard the stories of her childhood while I recovered, if my family didn’t have to move to a warmer climate because of my RSD, and if my daughter hadn’t asked her teacher if I could speak to her class about my mom’s experience on August 6th – I wouldn’t have a book. So because of some unexpectected turns, I can now meet and discuss my mom’s story with students (our future voters), about the danger of nuclear weapons, and the need to realize the “enemy” is not always so different from ourselves.
My mom had said that even though she experienced horrific events in her life, it eventually led her to having me and my daughter. She called us her life lines-we gave her new hope. I’m grateful for my mom’s love and support that she gave us all up until she passed away. I’m also grateful for all I’ve been blessed with in my life-detours and all. Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving -whether you’re where you expected to be or not & whether your Halloween decorations are still up or not 🙂
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Creating Through the Pain 
Thank you so much for sharing your story – life can be full of peaks, plains and valleys, and sometimes when you’re stuck down in a valley it can be hard to remember what the sun feels like! As you’ve shown, sometimes when things go downhill they can never be made quite the same afterwards, but with the right mindset and a bit of grit, you can sometimes create something even better. My mother always says, “find the joy”, and though I struggle with it sometimes, I always try my best, even in those deepest of valleys!
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Jane, thank you for visiting my blog 🙂 I do like that phrase “find the joy”. It describes what we try to do-I don’t always do it on a daily basis, but am comforted when I look back through the years and see where I have done just that. It inspires me to keep trying to “find the joy” and it is always a tad bit easier when you know you are not alone. So thank you so much for sharing your mom’s words. ❤
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Kathleen, your strength shines through your pain, and this is a wonderful testimony!
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Crystal, thank you so very much for your kind words. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
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What a lovely post, Kathleen. I’m sorry for your pain and grief, but amazed by your strength and love. Sarah
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I humbly say, thank you so much Sarah. Your words encourage me. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. ❤
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Time flys faster as you get older and you often find yourself wishing you could be back a few years. Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Kathy.
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That is so very true! Wishing you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Sending my love. I miss you all very much ❤
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Thankful for all these opportunities that the Lord has given you. Praise Him for His great providences in your life!
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Yes, I definitely praise Him. Otherwise, none of this would have been possible. I’m so grateful for your friendship and prayers, Carol<3
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So heartwarming to read about your journey to write The Last Cherry Blossom. Life does certainly have surprise twists and sometimes what we think of as a setback can be the beginning of a new journey. You wrote your book out of love, and so much good has come of that.
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Thank you so much for that, Lisa. Yes, my mom gave me her story with love and that is definitely how I tried to write it, to thank her. The twist and turns also brought your friendship, so grateful for that.<3
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Dear Kathleen,
What a wonderful story. I am very proud of your Mother, of you, your husband, and your daughter. You are each amazing.
Never Give UP
Joan
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Thank you so much, Joan. You are a wonderful friend ❤
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