To know loss is to know pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair and hopelessness; to believe part of you is so profoundly damaged that it will never recover. And in a way, you are right. Life will never be the same again. When you are at the bottom of that pit, what you really need is for someone to throw you a rope, even if you are too broken and fragile right then to grab hold. You still need to know the rope is there for when you are ready to start your climb back up. Well, here's your rope I believe you believe you will never laugh or enjoy life again. Then let me believe it for you until you can. Let me promise you that you will get through this and you will walk strong and happy again. Right now, that may sound like a big fat lie or an impossible fantasy. I get that - I've been in that pit too. I lost the love of my life after thirty-six years together. This collection was written at various times after he passed. It was the only way I knew how to throw water on the fire that burned continuously in my heart. Some are deeply personal, but I share them now for you to know that someone else has been in that pit and clawed her way out. It's true, you will never be the same, but life can be good again, if you let it in. So, my friend ... here's your rope