Maryann Hartzell-Curran

from We to Me


Time for Retirement

By

As I carried it down the driveway, thoughts raced through my head. I placed the stiff legs upright next to the green garbage can. I smoothed the tattered, burned cover, tucking a loose string into a crevice. I patted the still surface quietly thanking this household appliance for all its service over fifteen years’ time.

ironing_boardIt had always proudly stood in my clothes closet. Erect and ready to serve as a platform for my weekly task. The silver cover was the last of many that had bedecked the hard surface. Actually, three irons had graced the surfaces over the years. Blemished by leaving the hot appliances facedown too long, burn marks were varied along its four-foot length.

Always available, the board had helped ready many outfits to be worn by my husband and me. Handkerchiefs, leisure slacks, long skirts, shell tops and cozy sweaters had bedecked the surface. All of them had been wrinkled when placed in position but when taken off-beautiful and smooth. Waiting hangers proudly displayed each item as I finished my chores.

The starch can that dealt instant crispness looked lonely on the kitchen shelf this morning. One of my duties today was to go and purchase another ironing board. I am sure the styles have changed since the purchase of this one. I am sure that the covers will yield flowered patterns or colorful fabric.

I could put the board up blindfolded! It had held and helped make ready many fancy party dresses and dress shirts. It had held crumpled hankies in place while I smoothed them with a very hot iron. When finished, my husband would place one in his trouser pocket to be used during the day, bringing to mind the beautiful hankies held by royal ladies when that fashion was at its peak. However, no more for us in modern times.

As I finish these thoughts, the new ironing board is leaning on a closet wall. I know it, like its predecessor, will help to keep our clothes fresh and crisp. Therefore, I need to say, “thank you to the old board and hello to the new one.” Their importance can only be measured by how nice we look in our clothes as we dress for another day.

Comments

  1. I think I will have to think about this next time I use my old ironing board. Yours had a lot of history, I think mine must have a long history too. Thanks for sharing

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