Summer of Lasts

When my Mother died, the pastor that did her memorial service told me, "This will be a year of firsts for you." He meant of course, that whenever I did something; picked up a ringing phone, made curtains, watched TV, saw the snow fall, I'd think this is the first time I've done this since....

That was three summers ago, and that feeling hasn't really faded that much.  I've been planting my tomatoes and peppers and I still think of my Mother when I do that. Now, though, after living with Alzheimer's disease for 18 years, my Dad is beginning to fail, or I should say, fail faster. My sister has the lion's share of his care, as she and her son live with him.They sees it on a day to day basis. I know it's hard, and yet I can't imagine how hard it is. 

Since Father's Day, we have come to realize that this is the summer of lasts. Now when we do things as a family we all think: This is the last time we do this with Dad.

It's odd, because we didn't go through this, exactly with my Mom. We didn't know what the lasts were going to be, but now.... It's obvious thateven if we get another Father's Day, it won't be with our Dad that we know, it'll be with who he's turning into now.

Dad and I never talked much back when it was possible. We talk more now. We try. Both of us are trying. I regret not doing that more back when language was easier, and I tell him that. And he tells me the same thing. We both know this is the summer of lasts.

In Which I Tell You About My Exciting Writer Friends

So, this is the summer where most of my writing friends have books coming out. I thought I'd tell you about them. 

First, my friend Kacey Vanderkarr's book is coming next month from Inkspell. It's called Antithesis, and you can see all the info in my previous post. You should visit her blog: kaceyvanderkarr.com where  you can find out all about her, and her many projects.  This is Kacey's first published novel, but it's definitely not going to be her last.

Second, though not really, my oldest friend--do not fight among yourselves, old friends.  I did meet Loren before you, Paul....  Seconds before.  Anyway, my oldest friend Loren Rhoad's collection of essays, "Wish You Were Here," is available.  You must check it out, because if there's a cemetery worth seeing, she's been there.  http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Were-Here-Loren-Rhoads/dp/1484197275 
Also, as I write this, she's premiering a collection of short stories she edited, as well as contributed to called "Haunted Mansion Project: Year II" More info about that can be found here:http://www.pr.com/press-release/497180 . It promises to be a fun read. Later this year she will have her first novel out, as well.  It's called "As Above, So Below," written with Brian Thomas.  I can tell you I'm really eagerly awaiting this one, and I'll be talking about it again.  Guarantee. Oh, and you can keep up with her busy life here:lorenrhoads.com
Both of these women are great writers.  They have strong voices, and something to say.  Visit their blogs, check out their books, and when you're where they are, come to signings.  You won't regret it.

m