It has been far too long since I have written a “Northern Yarn” and I apologize. The book I spoke of so many times over the years has finally come to fruition and so far, the interest as well as the sale of the book have more than met all of my dreams and expectations.
Writing my book has been an adventure filled with self-recognition, word adventure, and a good dose of reality. I am at peace with who I am, despite all of the times I felt as if I were being hijacked unfairly while walking the path provided to me. I have shed many tears, shaken my fist yet again at my Creator, rolled about in the muddy waters of self-pity, and battled my way through the clinging vines of self loathing. Wow. That is quite a mouthful, as they say, but I speak the truth to you from my soul, my friends. This has not been easy.
I struggle with mobility, neuropathy, severe osteoarthritis, and a past battle with sepsis that nearly ended my life. I must use a rollator or a wheelchair to get about, since my left knee is completely ravaged to being bone-in-bone. I can still drive and that is a blessing, for I cannot imagine being unable to slide behind the wheel of my car. I am able to complete light household tasks, prepare meals, and even sit back and direct my husband, though he rarely needs me to do so.
And that brings me to the subject of my husband, Kent. I do not know how I would take another breath if not for him. He is my soulmate, the love of my life, and my long-haired knight in shining armor. He is all I ever dreamed of and during my dark moments spent blaming the universe for all of my trials and tribulations, I do not forget how incredibly fortunate I am to have Kent by my side. He is my gift.
How I wish I could be like my sister, Lisa. She is brave, strong, genius, and one of the funniest people on the planet. She is my inspiration and our love for each other will never weaken.
Having said all of this, my friends, I will now tell you that I miss writing Northern Yarns. I have bottled up far too many lessons learned and now is the time to share them with you. Some of these yarns are recent and others are from childhood and on. My mind is diligently conjuring up stories to share and unexpected lessons from the most surprising of situations.
I trust you can bear with me as I once again sit down with pen in hand and spill my experiences out before me; only to be shared with each of you. I hope you will join me once again as the adventure continues. I cannot promise you a recount of roses, daffodils, bluebirds, dark chocolate candies, days in the spa, or lavish cruises on clear, blue waters. What I can promise you is truth, my discoveries, my opinions and my “yarns” — tales of enrichment and lessons that are sometimes painful to learn. Much love.
Belinda Wilcox Hersey lives in Caribou with her husband, Kent. You may email her at belindahersy@gmail.com.
