Tag: Family

There’s No Good Card for This

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There Is No Good Card for This:  What to Say and Do When Life is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love (2017)
by Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell

This book is such a gift to society, and I’m wondering if it’s possible to make a book like this required reading for everyone.  I kid myself in thinking that I grew up without anyone close to me experiencing any of Life’s “tough stuff.”  But, the more I think about, the more I realize I was just completely unaware.  I usually consider myself a fairly empathetic person, but, sadly, it wasn’t until quite recently in my life that I woke up and realized how poorly I’ve handled so much.  Being there for others, whether through an illness, a divorce, loss of a loved one, a job loss, or whatever it might be, is so very important.  I keep wondering how I can change the world or “save the world,” and, sometimes, it’s truly just being there for people that counts the most.  It’s all too easy when people are suffering through something to ignore the situation, avoid that person, or offer cliche words we’ve heard far too many times.  I think it wasn’t until I’d gone through some of this rough stuff myself that I realized just how hurtful some of these reactions can be.  And while I realize everyone is stumbling through and doing their best with what they know when it comes to supporting others through awful times, there are now beautiful resources like this one to help give us tools to be a little more graceful in our approach.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough.  The authors are genuine and helpful, without ever being judgmental.  It’s a book that should be read and re-read and taught through example.  Ms. Crowe offers, what looks like, awesome empathy courses, and Emily McDowell has a great and hilarious line of supportive, original greeting cards.

Thunder Cake

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Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco (1997)

This book was published way past my own picture book days, but I came across it somewhere along the way in my adult life.  It must have made an impression, because when the summer storms started rolling in when our girl was a baby, I immediately thought of it.  Thunder Cake is every bit as darling as I remember it.

The story tells of a young girl afraid of the approaching thunder.  Her grandma coaxes her out from under the bed by promising they will make “thunder cake.”  As the two gather ingredients for the cake, the girl proves her bravery by facing some of her other fears.  The book ends, of course, with some delicious cake and hot tea amidst the rumbling storm.

We’ve baked our own “thunder cake” on many occasions.  Sometimes I hide the ingredients in corners of the house or porch for us to go find, just like the girl in the book.  (There is a recipe included in the book, but I usually use this one that doesn’t have any shortening.)

The Invisible String

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The Invisible String words by Patrice Karst, illustrations by Geoff Stevenson (2000)

One stormy night, two kids are frightened, but their mom reassures them by teaching them about the invisible string that connects all of those who love each other.

We first found this book after the passing of a loved one to try to explain to our young daughter how people can always live on in our hearts.  Although one page does deal with this specific topic, most of it talks about how the invisible string connects people when we are in different locations or doing different activities.  There is also an explanation about how the string will always be there, despite any hurt or angry feelings.

This is a sweet book that would be good to read anytime, but it is probably especially helpful during a transition, like starting school or moving away from friends or missing a long-distance relative after a visit.  I’m looking forward to reading more by Ms. Karst.

I Capture the Castle

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I Capture the Castle (1949) by Dodie Smith

“Journaled” by 17-year old, Cassandra Mortmain, I Capture the Castle tells the story of the endearing and slightly eccentric Mortmain family.  Although extremely poor, the family lives in an old English castle.  At the beginning of the story, their lives seem destined to continue in the same manner forever, but things quickly change for them after meeting their new neighbors, The Cottons.  From the lovely Midsummer’s Eve rites to the hilarious meeting of Simon and Neil, Cassandra captures everything and everyone perfectly in her “journal.”  Her humanness and appreciation of life make me feel I’ve found a true kindred spirit.  Cassandra takes on such a life of her own that she really feels like so much more than just a character in a book.

One review of this book says, “It’s as fresh as if it were written this morning and as classic as Jane Austen,” which sums up my thoughts perfectly.  Full of humor, surprise, romance, family, and self-discovery, I Capture the Castleranks as one of my all-time favorite books.  I read it at least once a year, and it’s a treat every single time.  I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

(I refuse to see the film version, of course, as I feel Cassandra (Dodie Smith) has done such an excellent job capturing life at the castle that I see everything very clearly played out on the pages, and I couldn’t bear to ruin that.)

 

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