Can you believe it’s June already?
In my grief, the days go by slowly, but time is still flying by. This month, I will meet up with Father’s Day, Michael’s birthday, and the 6-month mark of his passing. On top of this, it all happens in the same week. I’m not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
I know one thing: I will need a lot of soft hugs. And one thing I have learned is that to receive a hug, you have to give a hug. So I’m here passing out hugs! This month, I’m giving out grief hugs. No matter what you may be grieving at this time, I hope that something here brightens your day.
G - GOOD READS
Since Michael passed, I have received a stack of books from good friends. I’ll be sharing about them as I go along. So far, the best ones has been a devotional, Widow’s Might: 365 Days of Strength for Grief and Loss - Find Comfort, Hope, and Healing. Nearly every day’s devotion is spot on.
If you aren’t a widow, but are struggling with life. Check out Elisabeth Elliot’s A Path Through Suffering. Elisabeth has the license to tell us about suffering. She has “Been there; Done that”. I have been listening to it on Spotify. If you are a Premium member, you can listen for free.
R - RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
R.A. is my major diagnosis, although we have it in remission. I still struggle with co-partner diseases and syndromes that were caused by the R.A. Again, I am thankful to be living in maintenance mode with all of it, but we must keep an eye on it all. Thus, I have a long list of doctors, including a hematologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, and rheumatologist. At this point, I am looking at another total shoulder replacement in September. This time it’s my dominant right shoulder. Should be fun. Ha!
I recently received a post from EverydayHealth: warnings that your R.A. is worsening.
I’m connected with many chronic pain groups around the world, my favorite being Medical Musings with Friends. This group of people with rare and chronic diseases is amazing. The leader is Sam Moss, who struggles with rare diseases beyond my imagination that have her under 24-hour care, along with her husband, who has alzheimer’s disease. But she still checks in on Facebook once a week or so and offers encouragement. She and he team are true blessings.
I - INSPIRATION
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
Early on, I was counting the days of my loss, but a friend sent me a song by Joni Eareckson-Tada, “Number My Days”. I realized that I did not want to number my grief days, but rather, number the days of my life in Jesus. You can read what I wrote on my blog.
E - ENCOURAGEMENT
One thing my mother taught me early in my adult life was that when you are feeling down, depressed, or lonely, go visit someone. (Folks in the nursing home would love your visit.) Trust me, it will lift your spirits and get your mind off yourself.
I share that to tell you about what I have been doing for many years. Fifteen plus years ago, I had two friends losing their spouse suddenly and way to early in life. One of these was a pastor’s wife. Under the direction of my pastor-husband, our church went to Kentucky and brought her back to Georgia, and supported her while she got back on her feet. This is when I realized that when a pastor’s wife loses her husband, she also loses her identity, possibly her home, her ministry, and her church. I thought, “But for the grace of God, there go I.” So I started a card ministry to widows of pastors in our district. I have a list of over 25 women. I have been writing to them for all these 15 years. And now, I have joined their ranks. :( Read more about that ministry here: Four Ways to Support Grieving Friends
May I suggest ways to encourage me?
Support my card ministry with a book of stamps or a little cash. ($14.60/book of 20) Message me for information on how to do that.
If you have already purchased my books, please go leave a review. Thank you.
Join my launch team this month!
Donate a hardback book to your local library!
F - FACEBOOK LINK
June is Dairy Month. So let’s celebrate Holly the Holstein and her new book, Holly the Holstein’s Farm Friends. This children’s picture book introduces children to animals on the farm. They will learn their sounds and what their babies are called.
But that is not all. Each turn of the page teaches another interesting fact about farm animals and asks the question, “What About You?” Here’s your chance to talk to children about family responsibilities, from personal hygiene to community helpers.
Join me on Holly’s Facebook Page for a book launch later this month when the hardback becomes available.
H - SOMETHING HEARD
Dr. Michelle Bengston Podcast. Dr. Michelle is a psychologist, author, and podcaster who offers encouragement for hope. Since June is a special month in our lives when thinking of my husband and my kids’ father, I went back to her Christmas episode that gives us tips on dealing with the holidays. It’s a Christmas episode, but it has a lot of wisdom in it. And perhaps, if you listen to it now, you can use it when your special times arrive.
Introduction:
For many, the holiday season is synonymous with joy, family, and celebration. But for others, it brings a heavy reminder of loss and sorrow. Grief can take many forms—the loss of a loved one, a relationship that ended, or even a dream that was never realized. Today, we will navigate this journey together and explore how, even in the midst of grief, we can find glimpses of hope. You are not alone in this, and we’ll spend time talking about practical strategies, share stories, and dig into Scripture to see what God says about our pain.
U - UPDATES ON MY WRITING
Holly the Holstein’s Farm Friends received a very nice review and now entered in a contest for Reader’s Favorite Awards!
“Holly the Holstein’s Farm Friends is a cute and interactive picture book that is a true delight for both children and their adult companions, all wrapped up in vibrant energy and clever presentation. Mandy Dawson Farmer’s writing strikes a warm, conversational tone that is both educational and inviting. The narrative flows smoothly, offering young readers a clear sense of rhythm and purpose while gently encouraging their curiosity about farm life. Summi Creativity’s illustrations are a standout feature, rendered in a contemporary style with a bold primary color palette that bursts off the pages. The visual choices complement the text perfectly, helping to hold a child’s attention while reinforcing key ideas. This book does more than just describe animals; it celebrates the harmony and cooperation that make farm life so special. It’s a joyful, well-crafted read that’s as informative as it is visually delightful."
[My devotional book for Chronic Pain is ready for publishing, but I have not yet started pursuing a publisher.]
G - GOOD FOOD
It’s summer! How about my favorite drinks? These won’t help your pain, but what the hay, everyone deserves a little treat sometimes. It does have a bit of dairy in it. :)
From Arby’s … Orange Creme Shake! I typically go for the Jamocha, but in the summertime, I’ve got to go for this one!
From Sonic … Lemonade Creme Cooler
This Sonic drink is one of the most satisfying and refreshing drinks on the Sonic Drinks Menu that perfectly blends tartness with sweetness. The lemonade slush used in this drink gives a bright, tangy base, while the cream gives a smooth, rich texture, making it more yummy. This two-taste combo drink makes it a uniquely refreshing drink to quench thirst in summer.
S - SONGS
Early on in my grief journey, I would get so heartbroken and miss my sweetheart. Still do. But I had a little discussion with the Lord…
Lord: You know where Michael is, right?
Me: Yes. He is worshipping at the feet of Jesus.
Lord: Right. So, where should you go to feel close to him?
Me: Worship at the feet of Jesus!
About that time, a song played on Spotify, Here I AM to Worship
Since then, when I get to missing my darling Michael, I go to the feet of Jesus. Beginning with this very song. I have created a playlist of worship songs that I listen to nearly every morning. Amazingly, though I may start this worship to get closer to Michael, I end up closer to God!
I thought you might like to have the playlist.
Well, friends. That’s all I have for you today. I would love hearing from you. I’m not sure if I will be writing next month, as we are packing up and getting ready to move to another town. Maybe I will have a chance to update you in August.
With Love and Hugs,
Mandy Farmer
Vote for Best Cover
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Thank you Bettie. I hope you're kiddos love the book.
Sending you a soft hug your way Mandy! You will get through June - one day at a time. It may not be easy, but I am confident God will lead through the tears and pain as I know you are too. You are an encouragement to others!