Hello, Picture Book Builder people.
Many of you know that I have been dealing with a really big loss. Last November, my high school sweetheart/college boyfriend/husband of nearly 30 years/father of my two kids/grandpa of two baby boys he never had a chance to meet had a heart attack and passed away. I’ve spent a lot of time being sad, mad, and overwhelmed.
Today, while reading through a pile of picture books, I discovered a character that felt familiar to me.
The character is a bear.
Bear is the star of Maddie Frost’s Bear in a Bathrobe.
Bear has a collection of wonderful friends. Also, Bear has some fears about the unknown.
Well, check and check!
I’m fortunate that I am very gifted in the friends and family department. So many people have helped me over various hurdles and fears. These people have cheered me on through some very tough days. These people have been a part of many, many wonderful days, too.
Over these months without my husband, I have received countless texts, calls, invitations, and visits from loved ones that basically express the sentiment “Oh, good! You’re home.”
The last line of Bear in a Bathrobe really resonates with me. Especially during this new normal.
“But as long as I keep one foot in front of the other, with my friends by my side…I can do anything.”
Thanks for sharing this book. Bathrobes and friends warm our souls.
Tammi, I cannot imagine what you’ve been through…BEAR IN A BATHROBE can help all of us face our fears.
I’m so sorry to read of your loss, Tammi. It’s great that you (and Bear!) have a community of friends to lean on. Thanks for introducing a book that looks like it will help the Bear in all of us.
Thinking of you, Tammi.
Too funny that I posted today about another book by Maddie Frost! Will definitely be reading this one too!
Virtual Hugs sent your way. May you be comforted by pink bathrobes and lots more picture books.
Hi Tammi- Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for thinking of us all by writing this post. I’ll look for Bear In A Bathrobe at our library.
What a great time in your life to find this book! Thanks for sharing. Peace be with you.
I was very sorry to read of your loss, Tammi. But I’m glad to know you have so many steadfast friends and family members by your side, as well as great books. Thank you for sharing this one! It sounds just right.
Thanks for sharing your journey and the that of Maddi’s Bear in the Bathrobe.
Tammi, sending heartfelt sympathy to you at this difficult time. May you find solace and healing as time goes on. I can see how this book might offer some comfort. The cover image alone made me smile. Thanks for sharing it with us and hugs to you for all those sad, mad and overwhelming moments. You have a huge number of caring supporters among those of us who have read and loved your many wonderful books.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Tammi. Sending prayers for healing to you and your family. May the memories you share of your beloved husband/best friend/father/grandfather be for a blessing. Bear’s support system shows how vital friends are right by your side even when you aren’t ready and especially when you need them most.
I loved reading this book, too. Sending virtual hugs, Tammi! Glad God sent you two precious grandson angels to cherish!
Sorry to hear of your loss. May your husband’s memory be a blessing. We look for points of light – this cute book is an example. I look forward to reading it in full.
Thank God for family, friends, and picture books. And thank you fir spotlighting this one with such honesty and appreciation.
Ha! I realized I am still in my bathrobe as I work this morning. Thank you for this honest and heartfelt post.
Oh Tammi! I am so sorry you have suffered this great loss! Yet, your generous heart for others continues to celebrate the tender and loving relationships we can build – many beginning with the powerful gifts of stories shared. Be blessed and know that you are a blessing to others.
Sincerely, Beth
I love it!!
I’m sending my deepest condolences and healing thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful book to find at this difficult time in your life. Picture books have a way of reaching the heart of the reader in a variety of ways-to enlighten, to empower, to connect and to comfort. I’m looking forward to reading the entire story. Thank you for sharing it and your own story, too. I’m so glad you have loving family and friends there to support you. And from one grandma to another, spend as much time as you can with those precious babies, they are such a blessing, and they grow up way too fast!
I’m sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort, love and joy in the days ahead.
This book looks really fun–and comforting/reassuring while it’s at it. Love the illustrations!
Dear Tammi, oh how I feel your pain. My husband, 17 yr old granddaughter, and I were in a head-on crash 2 yrs ago. They were killed and I was hospitalized for 2 months. It sounds like this book is like a big hug! I’ll have to find it.
So sorry for your loss, Tammi. I, too, have been a bear in a bathrobe for different reasons.