Maryann Hartzell-Curran

from We to Me


You Are An Ironman!

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Truly a milestone in our family’s life, the completion of the Ironman race in November 2015, gave even more meaning to my son’s life.

ironmanAs my forty-two-year-old son crossed the finish line the announcer exclaimed, “John, you are an Ironman!” I was thrilled beyond belief! Many in the crowd around me clapped, rang bells, and jumped up and down with tears running down their cheeks as their loved ones also crossed the finish line. Almost a universal celebration was taking place in those moments. One of three thousand athletes to compete, my son now held the prestigious title of IRONMAN.

For those of you unfamiliar with this title, it represents years of intense training involving three different regimens. Swimming, biking and running are part of the rigorous preparation for the final testing of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, followed by a full marathon of 26 miles. Though there are many professional athletes who complete this race on a regular basis, most of the participants, including my son, work it in around everyday living.

This living includes careers, childcare, school and health issues. During those winning moments, I shared with thousands of others this achievement even though we had not actually crossed the finish line. In order for any of this to happen, families, friends and employers and even healthcare providers had to accommodate the hours and hours of intense and demanding training. I believe that the IRONMAN title is also shared by those who supported their athlete.

I was awestruck by the feeling of love in the crowd. From the moment their loved ones dove into the turbulent early morning water until they ran over the bright yellow finish line — many in darkness — they were connected. Fathers kissed their wives and children, grandparents hugged their grandchildren and parents embraced their adult children like they were newborns. I will never forget how joyous my soul felt and how fortunate I was to see this accomplishment!

In my son’s case, this title represents even more. All of us who know him have always known he was an IRONMAN. Two years of personal sadness, the decree of divorce and the disconnect to a life he had known were all behind him. We rejoice in his new title, his bright future and just the honor of knowing him. As his mother, I could not be more proud. I am honored to be an IRONMOM and share this joy with thanks to God. His hand propelled John over the finish line and kept him safe.

I do believe that our God is — and always will be — the IRONMAN we want to follow all the days of our lives.

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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