Maryann Hartzell-Curran

from We to Me


No Paws In The House

By

On Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 a very special soul left the earth.  Her name was Henrietta Hartzell-Curran and she was eighty years old…in dog years. Almost twelve in human years. She was the niece of Herschell who had gone to the rainbow bridge on June 4th, 2012. In that instant when she breathed her last… my consolation was that they were… together again.

But, how different everything is for Jack and I. It is almost deafening noiselessness that has replaced the restless activity of them running, barking or scampering to the treat jar. Like music to my ears, those sounds for thirteen years crowded our day with responsibility for their needs that actually filled our needs.  The holes in our hearts are  fresh, also torn, and it will take  time to heal.

henriettacloseupWe have received wonderful, heartfelt emails and a few cards. My granddaughter made a card stating that they had returned to God.  That thought is comforting at times but then again not a few moments later. One thing, I have learned about grief is that going through the process is essential in order to love again, because that love will be different.

Several people have asked if we are getting another dog. Almost impossible for me to imagine right now but when my heart heals, it may be considered. Venturing into picture albums is impossible and really not necessary.  We both have actual visions of life with Herschell and Henrietta. Twelve years of adventures, escapades and endless hours of sitting close together.  These are the gifts of loving a dog, or dogs in our case. I believe they have enriched our own love story over the years.

The thoughts on this paper are the beginning of stories in the future. For now, these words are all the energy I have in expressing myself.  But…that is okay.

Comments

  1. Mar,
    This is such a sweet tribute to Henrietta. I am sure the house is super quiet. Should you change your mind,I can FedEx Klaus or Maggie to y’all. We send you our love. They love their Great Auntie and Uncle.
    Xoxo,your Tx kids

  2. What a cute picture of Henrietta, Maryann
    By the way thank you for the picture card of her she had such a sweet face, soo much expression.

    Sukki had her last visit to the vet yesterday, she is doing a lot better . He thinks it was an allergy that caused her ears to flii up.

    Stay well dear Maryan,, love you Liny

  3. What a cute picture, she was very photographic, lots of expressions.

    Sukki had her last visit to the vet ,according to him she had an allergy, that affected her ears, 2drops in both ears once a week for the next 4 weeks, that should do it.

    Hope you and jack are doing better, stay well, love Liny

  4. Mary,
    My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. As i am writing this, my little pal, Calvin, is sitting besides me, as always; my forever companion. There truly is nothing like the love of a dog. They are angels – I believe that with all my heart. I hope you will remember all the love and smiles your little friends brought to you in their short, but no doubt, full lives. I hope your heart heals quickly my dear.
    With love,
    Molly

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