Letting Go, Moving On
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"I spent quality time with my mother for four days, taking care of her while my dad was in the hospital. Between visits to see my father, Ma and I ate, relaxed, sipped tea and talked about everything under the sun. I remember we spent many hours in the living room and kitchen. During that time we recited poetry including our favorite excerpt from "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll. We worked on crossword puzzles together, read quotes and sang some of my mother's "fractured" songs which she had taught me during my childhood. Those "gems", from her own mother, were often funny spoofs on old songs - the words were altered, sometimes politically incorrect, but the tune remained the same. In the quieter moments, we retold stories of "back when" and even confessed a few regrets to one another. It was a wonderful time for she and I treasured each moment. Back then, I never dreamed those would be the last four days I would ever spent with her like that again!"
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About the Book
No matter how old we become or how inevitable death is, we, as adults, are never fully prepared for the passing of our parents!
Letting Go, Moving On is the personal account of one daughter's journey grieving the the final years and eventual passing of both parents within one week's time. Living in Florida, the author chooses to return home to be with her parents giving up some things and gaining many others in the process. This private memoir is filled with personal discoveries about herself as an adult, her dying parents, and the process of working through the hurt of past days to arrive at those final hours of love and appreciation.
With wit, unique childhood memories and keen references to small town New England life, Letting Go, Moving On demonstrates the valuable lessons of love, forgiveness, and Divine faith. May this book give hope to anyone seeking a ray of sunshine after the storm!
About the Author
Donna E. Heath is a native of New Hampshire, familiar with growing up in small town New England. Much of this background set in the 1960's and 1970's, is reflected in her various written works. Her stories stir up a time in our memories when children's lives were innocent, house doors were left unlocked at night, and car keys could be found under the floor mat.
A graduate of Colby-Sawyer College and the University of New Hampshire system, she possesses a B.S. in Behavioral Sciences. Thus, her interest lies in people's lives, their family history, and their interconnection. Ms. Heath possesses a passion for animals rights, traveling, and environmental concerns. She has been employed in various holistic, social service, and academic settings. Ms. Heath has assisted in the writing and editing of various author materials and has created a personal collection of short stories for adults and children. Her poem entitled "Brother River" first appeared in Wisdom Magazine - New England in late 2004.
Ms. Heath currently resides along the beautiful New England coastline, often returning to her other special place of the heart in St. Augustine, FL.