Leigh Bale Talks About Weddings & Funerals

You all know my daughter is getting married next month. With a new book out this month (The Forest Ranger’s Promise), another book coming out in November (The Forest Ranger’s Husband), and meeting my deadlines for the third book, life is beyond hectic. The wedding invitations are ready to mail out, the party favors are prepared, and the wedding dress is “almost” finished.

And then last week ended up being horrible when my dear Aunt Shirley died. It was expected. She’d been fighting ovarian cancer for several years now. And really, it was a blessing because of the intense suffering she was going through, but it was so hard to let go. I dedicated my second book to Aunt Shirley as the bravest fighter in the ring. Because that’s what you have to become when you’re fighting cancer. A prize fighter.

I am awed by both my aunt and my mother’s courage. These two women were very dear sisters. Orphaned at the tender ages of six and four, they had come to depend upon one another all their lives. My mother was right by my aunt’s side and vice versa.

My own sister is flying in for my daughter’s wedding. I haven't seen her in almost six years. And I can’t wait. I want to wrap my arms around her and hold tight. I feel the same about my daughter, mother, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Believe me, I’m crazy about the men in my life too. But right now, I’m particularly grateful for the strong, loving women in my family who help me be a better person. Who never give up on me despite my flaws. Who love and support me unconditionally.

So I hope today that you’ll all call your siblings, hug your parents, do something kind for your children, or just tell them each that you love them. Don’t wait. Do it now. And God bless cancer victims worldwide.