Remembering Bob Snyder

As many of you have learned by now, my husband Bob, who starred in many of my "Balancing Act" columns, died suddenly on Saturday, May 9.

Ever the cheerleader, he'd e-mailed the children the day before to let them know that a piece I'd written years ago about losing my dad had just shown up in the summer issue of Living With Loss magazine. He said that reading it again after so many years had made him cry. The irony did not escape us.

We've shed our share of tears in our family this past month as we push through the grieving process, And with laughter a first-cousin of tears, we've also enjoyed sharing the many Bob stories we remember since the day he joined us in 1982 as stepdad to my two boys, James and Paul Ravenscraft, and later celebrated the arrival in 1988 of our daughter Sarah. Much thanks to all who have expressed their sympathies and lent their support.

For you who knew him well and others who would like to read some of those Bob stories, my June "Balancing Act" column is a tribute to my favorite co-conspirator.

To say he'll be missed doesn't even come close.

Pat

Book Launch and Other Events Postponed

Although I'm usually an enthusiastic over-booker, I know better than to try launching a book in the midst of grieving. Two Harbors Press graciously
"stopped the presses" and allowed me to update a couple of sections in The Dog Ate My Planner. I've postponed my book launch from June until September. The Dog will now make its debut at a signing event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 13, at Lavash Caf� in Clintonville. Save the date.

In addition, speeches and workshops related to the book have been postponed till fall.

Staying Balanced During Grief

With my mom dying this past October and now Bob, I've accumulated a pile of resources on dealing with grief, plus a few insights of my own. I'm sharing these via my web page both in my blog, The Dog Journal, and a special resource section on grief.

If you know someone going through this process, feel free to pass these along.

Leash Law No. 6: Those Menacing Returns

Returning merchandise, or not. Unless the item's a budget-breaker, don't beat yourself up over unreturned items unless you also fail to donate them to charity. This is particularly true if you're too busy to stand in the return line because you're working so many hours, Your act of charity can assist both you and a person who's not fortunate or well enough to have an adequate source of income. A double bonus.

And finally....

My day planner for June 9 (on a page the dog didn't eat) offers this observation from singer-songwriter Bernice Johnson Reagon:

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who are you.

Here's to a month of quiet self-discovery and an insightful newsletter in July.

Copyright 2009 Pat Snyder