Why I've Been Gone

First off, I'm sorry that it seems as if I bailed out on the query contest. At the time that was ending, we had a family emergency.

One of my cousins committed suicide. People, seriously, don't believe the line "If they talk about it, they won't do it." Yes, they will.

I've been working through issues with that. I'm not completely through, but I think I'm through enough I can say that I am semi-back. We'll revisit the contests and such towards the end of next week.

And, I have to tell you, it's been hard trying to write through all this. I don't think I've written much at all in the past week, if anything.

So...

That's why I've been gone and I'm semi-back. I have some deadlines that need to be taken care of by mid-week next week, so I won't be fully back until then.

Thanks, everyone. It means a lot to me to read your comments.

We're making it through. I'm crocheting a prayer shawl for my aunt. I've been kind of laying low and not doing much writing, but I got a kick-start to get going again and it's moving relatively smoothly.

My sister had a dream where my cousin told her he was OK. She told us every detail and we (me, Mom, my sister, and his sister) are convinced it wasn't just a dream. And that helps a LOT!

So, really, thank you so much. I understand that it's difficult to find words. I've been there when anyone here or IRL has a death in the family or is going through a very difficult situation. The fact that you said something is a testament to the wonderful people you are.

And thank you, too, to those who may have sent prayers/good thoughts and not said anything here. That is also greatly appreciated.

Kate, I'm sorry you've had to go through a similar situation. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Andreya, going along that line, my Grandma said she had talked with my aunt the next day (of course she talked to her before that, too, but this one conversation in particular). She had given my aunt a decorative platter with Jesus catching a man falling (I don't know if he was falling from the sky or stumbling on the ground or what) and it said "Forgiven" at the bottom of the platter.

My aunt had asked, "Do you think that's true? Do you think he's forgiven [my cousin]?"

My Grandma said, "God doesn't hold it against someone who has cancer. [My cousin] was sick. He had to have been. So why would God hold it against him?"

OK. I've got to stop now. *s*