Maryann Hartzell-Curran

from We to Me


Fourth of July

My Dearest Grandchild,

I want to share with you a great story about fireworks on the Fourth of July.  I have many memories of the Fourth of July but this one is really special.  It involves lots of family, a beautiful lake and beautiful colors painted in the sky by fireworks.

While your Dad was growing up, we always planned a yearly trip to see your Great Uncle Russ and his family.  He had a house right on the lake in a small town called Eagle River, Wisconsin. It was about a ten hour trip from home, so we drove two long days to get there.  Arriving late on a Friday evening, we all went out and dined on the famous Wisconsin fish-fry, tumbling into bed with full stomachs and tired bodies.

But the next day, we were up and ready to prepare for “The Fireworks Show.”  With a twinkle in his eye, your great uncle accompanied us to the barn where he uncovered two boxes wrapped in brown paper and marked — fireworks_on_the_lakeCaution!  Your grandfather and he winked at each other, secretly planning a real show later that night.

After boat rides, a hot dog roast, a trip to the craft show and a few cold beers, the preparations began.  We all excitedly took our seats at dusk and waited to be entertained.  A huge bonfire raged in front of us, lawn chairs were distributed well away from the fireworks activity and great aunt Gail and I opened up an excellent  bottle of wine.

As the sun sank in the west, the first round of fun started with water rockets on the tops of small whitecaps in the bay.  Next, mini barges of paper were launched and lit and then we cheered as they spewed the colored ash from their smoke stacks. Then everyone took a break, probably partaking in one of the delicious desserts Gail had baked.  Polishing it off with coffee, we again sat down and waited.

Cherry bombs, sparklers and mini pops exploded and burned around us.  All was safe and fun.  Then the big stuff started to happen.  Each firework was delicately lit and enjoyed by the audience.  Then at the climax of all the noise, the final, big one was launched displaying a mini American flag for a brief moment.  Then, like all the others, it disappeared with only the scent of expended fireworks left permeating the air.

Suddenly it was very quiet.  Kind of like at the end of Christmas Day. We all felt disappointed that it was over.  But for ten years, we all celebrated together and shared wonderful family memories.  Papa H passed away when your Dad was twenty-two.  When we could, we retold many of these celebration stories and they gave us much joy.  Then when your second cousin, Becky, got married, it was on the Fourth of July.  Again, the explosion of fireworks, the beauty in the sky and the color rained down on our family.  I really do believe that Papa Hartzell was there orchestrating this display from heaven.

This is the fond thought that I now share with you.  Always enjoy the Fourth of July, knowing that it not only celebrates our country’s birthday, but also lots of happy family memories.

Love you always,

MAMIE

Thank you to all my followers and greetings to my new ones. Many of you were introduced to my work after reading my first book, FROM WE TO ME…letters to my friend. This was published in the fall of 2013 and has enjoyed some success. Many of those who have read the book have written encouraging comments, saying it was helpful to those who are experiencing grief.

And now…. I’m introducing my second book, From Me to We. Lots of people have asked me why I wrote it, and it’s because I wanted to share my years after the first year, detailed in From We to Me, with readers. I always emphasize that my experiences are just that… mine… and hopefully they will open people’s eyes inviting them to have similar ones. I keep my sense of humor throughout the book but also emphasize how difficult a lot of days were without my husband. Written in three parts, Section One, is how I grew up,  after the death of my husband, Section Two, the beginning of my socializing again, Section Three… taking a chance, falling in love and marrying again.  The stories are candid and the information honest and straightforward.  I’m hoping the book will help lots of people.

I continue to write my Overcoming Grief Blog and have written many stories on my Facebook page. Reading your responses has touched me deeply and given me a nudge to keep on writing. I invite you to spend some time exploring the resources and ideas within my website:

– If you’re looking for a gift for someone who has recently lost their spouse, my first book From We to Me is an ideal way to offer comfort.

– Feeling down and need some inspiration? Read some of my short stories based on experiences with my grief groups as well as personal experience in the Overcoming Grief blog section.

– Did you know I lead grief groups? I am a professional who speaks from the heart. Whether you are looking to start a grief group series or you want her to speak at your next event, contact us. I can bring wisdom and humor to those who need it most.

– If you enjoy sharing tidbits about your childhood with your grandchildren, you may enjoy some of my memoirs posted in Letters to my Granddaughter. I know a lot of you will relate to these letters, and I invite you to write your own.

SO…Welcome to you all. Thank you for all of your support over the years as I made my transition FROM WE TO ME and then FROM ME TO WE.

Listen to Maryann on The Author’s Show Podcast

What people are saying about "From Me to We"

This is a journey of courage; one that we will all travel someday.

"I have known Mary for almost 25 years and have read many of her manuscripts. From We to Me is...

~ Dr. Lynn Deegan, Psy. D.

Maryann Hartzell-Curran
2019-05-01T11:46:04-04:00

~ Dr. Lynn Deegan, Psy. D.

"I have known Mary for almost 25 years and have read many of her manuscripts. From We to Me is by far the most beautiful of her works. She painstakingly shares her memories of the first 365 days of her life as a widow, including moving events most of us would be too embarrassed to reveal.  I recommend this to not only those who have lost a loved one, but to anyone who is afraid to feel.  This is a journey of courage; one that we will all travel someday.”

Thank you again for your beautiful gift.

“I’ve read 38 letters…I am taking my time and reading few each night enjoying each letter. I always find something...

~ Nanette

Maryann Hartzell-Curran
2019-05-01T11:46:35-04:00

~ Nanette

“I’ve read 38 letters…I am taking my time and reading few each night enjoying each letter. I always find something that I can relate to in losing my parents and even my cat, KitKat.  Yesterday was 11 months since Dad had died and I found myself getting out of bed last night and going into his room to talk to him. I love the story of JT and Kelly walking in your footprints…how wonderful. Thank you again for your beautiful gift.”

She is honest and that is what most of us need…

"What makes FROM WE TO ME different than other books on grief is the openness of the author and her...

~ Neal

Maryann Hartzell-Curran
2019-05-01T11:47:04-04:00

~ Neal

"What makes FROM WE TO ME different than other books on grief is the openness of the author and her honesty with her feelings. Not kid gloves but boxing gloves are a good way to illustrate how she treats the elements of her loss e.g. anger, fear and regret. She is honest and that is what most of us need when a loss inflicts pain on our “perfect” worlds. Thank you Maryann.”

Her words spoke to me, reassuring me…

“I loved Maryann’s first book for many reasons -- the main one that when I read it, my husband of...

~ Patricia B.

Maryann Hartzell-Curran
2019-05-01T11:48:26-04:00

~ Patricia B.

“I loved Maryann’s first book for many reasons -- the main one that when I read it, my husband of 55 years had just died. Her words spoke to me reassuring me that my feelings were a lot like hers and my day to day walk alone was comforted by God’s love. I can’t wait to read the new book because I have started dating and have lots of questions. I know she will cover that in her new book, FROM ME TO WE.”
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Maryann Hartzell-Curran