Just a few days before my Dad died in March, one of my closest friends was diagnosed with cancer. Not long after I returned from Canberra, we learned that her cancer was an aggressive one, with a tumour pressing against her windpipe. She wasn’t well enough to come for the book launch, but the last time I spoke to her was when she phoned, although she had little breath to talk, to tell me how much she’d enjoyed reading Dead Heat. She died on April 13th; her funeral on Friday drew hundreds of people, a testament to her gentle, generous nature and the love and respect so many people in our town held for her. We have been friends for 18 years; she designed our house, we travelled on numerous outback trips with her and her husband; Gordon bushwalked with them hundreds of times, often finishing here for afternoon tea, where she and I discussed textiles, teas, books, gardens, living simply. I will miss her a great deal.
As you can imagine, losing my Dad and my friend within six weeks at the same time as Dead Heat was released has been something of an emotional roller-coaster for me. I’m trying to concentrate on the highs – and there’s definitely been some! Some great views, lovely comments from readers, and appearing for 3 weeks in a row in my publisher’s Top 10 books – for a short while there (probably due to being in the Big W Book Bonanza catalogue!) Dead Heat was outselling Stephen King, John Grisham and JR Ward 🙂 It won’t make it on to the Australian Top 10 charts (that Suzanne Collins is claiming most of the places!!) but it’s a good feeling to be doing well for my publishers, anyway.
Thank you to everyone who has commented recently, emailed me, commented on Facebook or Twitter. If I haven’t replied to everyone, please know that in this difficult time your positive words and feedback about Dead Heat have been uplifting and have mattered to me. I hope to catch up and get back to everyone this coming week.
Sorry to hear your having a bad run Bronwyn, is very hard to loose people your close to especially when you get a few close together like you have. I hope this is the end of your bad news – you’ve had your share. Your great book doing so well doesn’t replace the special people in your life but hopefully it will help put a smile on your face 🙂
Oh, darlin’. I’m so sorry. I have only hugs and more hugs to send. xxxooo
I didn’t realize this was the bushwalking friend, Bronwyn. I’m so sorry you’ve had so many tragedies at what should be one of the happiest times for you, but I admire how you’ve handled it all. Just be sure to take care of yourself. Sadness can take a toll on the body and mind.
Hugs and lots of love. And congratulations on those sales! You’ll be up there above Suzanne in no time.
Tori
I am just so sorry to hear about your loss, Bron. It is so hard to say goodbye to people we care about, especially those whom we love with all our heart, mind and soul. All I can say, Bron, is I’m thinking of you and I’m very happy that Dead Heat has sold so well. A small but important consolation. M xoxo
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard’s and my deepest sympathies Bron, so tragic to lose your best friend so soon after your Dad. I feel for her family as well, and our love and support go to you and Gordon, as well as to them. Love and hugs to you…xox
Bron, our thoughts have been with you all the way through this up and down journey.
I’m so glad that you have the success of Dead Heat to lighten some of the sadness. Fathers and good friends leave large quiet spaces behind…
Hugs, Helene and Graham