Maryann Hartzell-Curran

from We to Me


The Rat

I miss you today! I always miss you, and today I feel sad. I’ll tell you why!

While walking Emma and Anna this morning, I looked down the street and saw a dark spot on the road. It was twirling about frantically. At first, I thought it was a leaf blown off a tree in the storm last night, but instead it was a small animal.

A lot of squirrels run in front of cars and are killed. That was what I thought it was but instead, as we got closer, we saw it was a rat! Of course, lots of people would scream and run away, but we didn’t!  Standing there, we watched it become very still. Life was over for this little animal. Mamie started to cry.

As I said, a lot of people would be glad this had happened because rats can be very dirty and even bite people. But to me, that was not the issue. Instead, we stood and watched life leave this small animal and it was sad.

Unfortunately, things like this happen. I remember when your Dad had just gotten his Drivers License. He took my car to the store and a bird flew right in front of the car and the bird died. Very upset, your father returned home to get me and we both went back to find the bird lying very still.  We gently picked it up and wrapped a white paper towel around it. I think your Dad felt better when I helped do this and, though sad, we both knew it was an accident.

I feel better now, I believe the driver of the car that hit the rat did not even know what had happened. But we did and I’m glad it did not die alone. I know, Mamie is too sentimental lots of the time! But that is who I am.

So my dear one, life and death are part of our world even with small animals. I think the lesson from this story is that no matter what kind of creature it is…it belongs to God.  I have learned that when He calls us, we go. Even if it is just a rat who is not a nice animal, he still was alive in our busy world. He just got in the way crossing the road.

You and I came upon a dead bird many years ago as we walked on the beach. It was you who said, “Mamie, we have to bury him.” We made a cross and said a prayer. I am glad you have this sensitive spirit. It is okay to feel sad.  By putting the cross on the little grave and saying a few words, we released the bird’s spirit.

What a beautiful thing!

Love you child,

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