To the Moon and Back

This week began with another goodbye, as our family mourns the loss of my sweet great Uncle John, one of the most intelligent, kind, and humble souls to grace this Earth I'm quite sure. Uncle John spent his life devoted to teaching, primarily English, and could always be counted on for a very serious discussion delving into the required college reading list, the structure of my college contemporary literature class, and what books I was reading for pleasure. He was quick to suggest new authors and titles, and celebrated my graduation from college with memorable words of encouragement and a book from an obscure French author. Despite the fact that we didn't get to see him very often, separated by many states, I remember how proud he was of me and my brother for all of our accomplishments, even when we weren't sure ourselves how valuable our college degree was, or the purpose in taking college classes unrelated to our major. Uncle John, how I will miss your sweet smile and warm conversations at our family gatherings. I'll think of you in the bookstore when I glance at titles from unfamiliar authors and when I'm enjoying a quiet afternoon with a favorite novel. We love you to the moon and back!So, in honor of gentle Uncle John, I thought I would share some of my favorite book titles, and what is gracing my bookshelves right now. 


What I'm Currently Reading: Good Grief (Lolly Winston), a fantastic fiction novel about a young woman's journey through a year following her husband's unexpected death from cancer. It is a great mix of dark humor and certainly doesn't sugarcoat the grief process. 
What's Up Next: The Catholic Girl's Survival Guide for the Single Years: The Nuts and Bolts of Staying Sane and Happy While Waiting for Mr. Right (Emily Stimpson) I came across this book while looking for a devotional read on Amazon. From what I can tell, this will be a light but ultimately truthful read, with realistic suggestions on how to incorporate and maintain your faith in areas such as dating, friendships, finances, family relationships, and work. Love the title! 
Favorite Children's Book: Love You Forever (Robert Munsch) This is by far the sweetest book and would be a great gift for a new Mom, especially welcoming a baby boy. I am not ashamed to admit that I get teary almost every time I read it. Seriously, it's precious!
Inspirational: Heaven is for Real (Todd Burpo) Regardless of your position or view on out-of-body experiences, it is difficult not to be drawn into this story of a young boy's experience of heaven during a life-threatening illness and his family's response. A #1 New York Times Bestseller, I read it cover to cover. 
Got Me Thinking: Why Forgive? (Johann Christopher Arnold) An extremely powerful book filled with stories of individuals who in every right, should never be able to forgive those who wronged them, but who choose to do so, even under terrible circumstances. It will make you think twice about your interactions with your friends, family members, and co-workers, and about choosing forgiveness, even when it seems difficult or impossible. 
Professional Resource: The Other End of the Stethoscope: 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care (Marcus Engel) I first heard Marcus Engel's story at my alma mater university several years ago. Marcus experienced life-threatening injuries, including blindness, following an accident involving a drunk driver. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who works in the healthcare setting and is a very raw, no-holds-barred look at the patient's perspective. 
Best Textbook I Didn't Sell Back: Meeting Children's Psychosocial Needs Across the Health-Care Continuum (Rollings, Bolig, & Mahan). I am so glad that I kept this book as it is literally the "Child Life bible" and is by far one of the best resources I have for my job. It provides very concrete and detailed information about supporting patients and families ranging from premature infants in the NICU to patients nearing end-of-life. A must-read for anyone who works with children in the hospital setting. 


Please share with me some of your own favorite titles, as I am always looking for a unique read. I have been doing quite a bit of reading at home these days, and am thankful to have several friends who seem to accumulate a library sized collection of used books that they are happy to pass my way. 


To my blog followers this week, I wish for you the opportunity to be inspired and moved by something you read, and to take comfort in the words of others. Please take the opportunity to examine your priorities in life and to be reminded of the importance of the relationships with those you love. If you know someone experiencing a loss or a difficult crisis, please know that it is not the number of casseroles, elaborateness of a sympathy card, or the "right" words that matter. Simply knowing that someone took time out of their day to call, text, or send an e-mail can be a huge source of comfort and a reminder that even though you may not know what to say or how to say it, you assure that person that they are not alone or forgotten. If all else fails, send chocolate! Until next time, blessings to all you love in this world, and to the moon and back.