December 21, 2018 THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

My students have taught ME many lessons over the years. I am often humbled by their wisdom at such a young age. They continually help me grow into a  kinder and more compassionate person.  Life is fragile as many of my students know. They've lost grandparents--mothers--fathers--siblings whether it be the result of  substance abuse--mental illness--cancer-- bad luck. Life is just not fair. Some are angry and others grapple with crippling anxiety as they face the holiday season without their loved ones. I wish I had a magic wand that could make all of their troubles go away. But I don't. I'm thankful that they've let me into their worlds  though--through their poems.  In an age where technology has taken over--they have learned that  writing is powerful. It's a salve that helps to heal the wounds that come with life. It's an outlet that I hope they continue to utilize forever because none of us get through this life unscathed. A  lesson they've been forced to face-- far too early. Maggie Harris, the main character of Camille Pagan's new book Woman Last Seen in her Thirties, thinks life is great until her husband of almost 30 years decides to walk away from their marriage.

Maggie is a 53 year old woman from Chicago who has spent so long being a mother and wife that she's lost herself in the process (SOUND FAMILIAR TO ANYONE). She is secure in her family and marriage or so she thinks. Soon after her two children fly the coop, Maggie and Adam are left to rediscover each other. Maggie plans a trip to Rome, but two weeks before their dream vacation, Adam drops the bombshell. He's unhappy in their marriage and wants out. (SOUNDS LIKE A MIDLIFE CRISIS TO ME--THE GRASS IS GREENER KIND OF THING). After he moves out, Maggie begins to realize that she has no life outside of her children and marriage. Although she feels completely lost,  Maggie decides to go on the trip to Rome alone. This is only the beginning of her rediscovery--where Maggie reawakens to a new future, maybe one without Adam. Find out what happens in this--SADLY ALL TO FAMILIAR EVENT--when you read this book for yourself. It's about 245 pages--4 mile run--that hits close to home for anyone at this stage of the game.