Barbara J. Hamby

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A Day Brightener

Today a member of my writing critique group asked me if I had an extra copy of my poetry book with me. Since I usually carry a few extra copies of my books in my car, I told her I probably did. She said she couldn’t find the two copies she already has and wanted another to send to a friend. Wow, is that a “Make My Day” statement, or what?

When the group meeting was over, she asked the other members if they had read my poetry book and added, “She is living my life.” As she walked to my car with me, she told me that she had first come across my book right after her mother died, and had really identified with my poems about my mother’s death. Her mother, a nurse, had decided for herself exactly when her life would end and managed to slip away three days after she was told she had six months or less to live. For my mother, it took about six days after she decided her existence no longer had quality, for her to expire.

I found the book and autographed it to her friend. I don’t know if my writer friend realized what a lift she had given me, but I did tell her it was wonderful to have my work appreciated.