Leslie Anne Tarabella Southern With a Gulf Coast Accent

At first glance, Rebecca and I appeared to be opposites, with one of us sporting tattoos and the other – not. Rebecca managed a local bookstore, and as we worked together over the years at book signings, we started to “click” and became friends. I liked her organizational skills, and she liked my ability to talk to the customers. We made a good team, and she was responsible for me selling out of my Christmas book several times in a few months. 

I popped in one day to say hello, and found Rebecca dressed like a lobster. “No, I’m a crab” she corrected me. There was a children’s author signing her book about a friendly crab, so Rebecca decided to dress the part. No wonder I liked her. 

Rebecca was constantly juggling ten things at once. Still, she’d find time to stop and visit, except when she was busy calling an ambulance for a customer and another day calling the fire department about a lightning strike on the roof. She was resourceful and a great leader. I love being friends with confident women and was glad we had met. Rebecca was excited about my new book, so when I sent her a text that said, “It’s FINISHED,” and she didn’t respond, I thought she must be on vacation. A few days later, I stopped by the store and found the staff in tears. Rebecca had passed away the day before. We were stunned. 

In her mid 50’s, Rebecca died from a combination of an undiagnosed disease and an infection that developed during a hospital visit. Her staff at the store knew her much better than I did, and they are deep in grief and loss. My heart breaks for them. 

The week before, I had watched two livestream funeral services, one for a sorority sister and another of the Nelon family. Three of the family members plus four others were tragically killed in a plane crash. I had met them a few years ago and told them I loved their song about heaven, “My Father’s House.” It paints a comforting view of heaven, like a big family reunion, which I love. Sometimes you just need the simple imagery of a happy family saving you a place at the table. 

Late August was also when my father died, so this time of the year is already heavy, and I’ve realized several people I know are experiencing the loss of loved ones right now. It seems to be a season of grief for many of us. Isn’t it strange how it comes in waves?

Discussing the Nelon’s accident and explaining it much better than I ever could is New York Times Best Selling Author, Andy Andrews on his podcast, The Professional Noticer and his episode, “What do we believe when a loved one dies?” It’s calming and hopeful, and if you know young children dealing with loss, you’ll find one of Andy’s stories near the end helpful. 

If you are swimming through a season of grief right now, know that you aren’t alone. My heart and prayers are with my readers, who have so kindly supported and loved me, just like Rebecca.

Let’s remember not to take the people we love for granted.