I started challenging myself to reading a book a week in 2023 and continued into 2024.
Our daughter died suddenly in October 2024 and my love for reading among so many other things just stopped.
And like so many other things, it's taken a long time to get going ago, to do the things I loved to do when I had 5 minutes to them.
I wasted so much time after Stephanie's death, so much time with 'We could be with Stephanie now, but we can't' and I spent hours in the first few months, doing nothing, staring into space, lying in bed, doing absolutely nothing.
I returned to work, part time initially, then slowly a routine, with elements of our old life starting filling our time again, days out, going places where we took Stephanie became visiting places that we couldn't take Stephanie due to her disability. We didn't find things to do to replace her, we found that we just started living again without her.
I tutor English in a secondary school from year 7 up to GCSE, I supported a student with English Literature at A Level from 2022-2023.
I read a few books from October 2024 till March 2025, but in April I started again with a book a week and here we are, the middle of May on book no X and raring to go for the rest of the year.
There has been lots of reading with the grandchildren
Macbeth
The Tempest
Romeo and Juliet
Lord of the Flies
A Christmas Carol
Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare
I lost my daughter Lucy in August 2022. My heart goes out to you. I love how you're saying you've managed to start living again. I love reading books too, but my brain sometimes feels so woozy. But I would like to read more books too. You've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your daughter, I hope time is being kind to you. I've really enjoyed starting reading again, it drags me away from the rabbit hole of videos online
DeleteWhen you suffer grief your whole life tends to stand still, but eventually you have to go on living. I'm glad you are reading again, there is nothing better than losing yourself in a book, although I don't think Shakespeare would be my option of choice. I'm currently reading The Bear and the Nightingale by Katharine Arden and although I'm enjoying it, I'm finding it a difficult read.
ReplyDeleteI decided that if I find a book too hard to read, then I walk away from it. I want to enjoy my reading
DeleteI can't imagine how hard it must have been when Stephanie passed away. So glad to hear you've been able to start reading again. It looks like you've read an interesting selection of books. The National Trust shops are clearly well stocked! I always look at second hand bookshelves in random places, but inevitably the books are all terrible.
ReplyDeleteI've found some good 2nd hand books recently to enjoy
DeleteSending hugs across the miles dear friend. I'm glad to hear you've been able to start reading again. Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe is on my list. I always appreciate learning about reads and recommendations.
ReplyDelete#PoCoLo
thank you, I used to review the books, but I've not got the time at the moment
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss and for all the ways it has affected you. Glad you are getting back to living and to reading and for all the ways you make the world a better place. I love how you show the books you've read in such pretty photos. Lots of interesting titles, and some great re-reads on your "for work" list. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeletethe books are photographed where I'm reading them at the time, mostly in the garden.
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