Nancy’s Reviews > Driftwood Bay > Status Update

“Thomma seems happier too, since he got that job at the high-end kennel in Coos Bay. Between that and the private dog-training clientele he’s developed, they’ve both found their niche.” “A happy ending all around.” He tugged her into the circle of his arms.
(Hawaiian honeymoon then 4 days n Disneyland w/Molly)

Molly and Elisa ran away.

“Jeannette! I wondered who was enjoying my tiny slice of paradise.” He beamed at her. “That’s an apt description for it.” She dug her keys out of her purse. “I hope I wasn’t trespassing.” “Not at all.” He closed the trunk and slung his bag over his shoulder. “As the sign says, all are welcome. The beauty of nature is nonsectarian.”

A bird feeder hung from the sheltering bough of a towering Sitka spruce, and two wooden benches were placed along the path. She ambled toward the one beside the small statue of Francis of Assisi and sank down, letting the peace envelop her.

Jeannette slowed as she drove past St. Francis church. From the street, a tiny sliver of the meditation garden in back that Father Murphy lavished with care was visible. .. A stone path followed a circular route through the well-tended space, where colorful flowers shared space with restful greenery. water from a fountain in the center provided a soothing background refrain that enhanced the harmony of the setting.

Could that be his problem? All along, he’d been holding fast to the hope he could fix everything himself if he muscled through, instead of putting his troubles in the hands of the Almighty.

She was too young to carry such a heavy load. To be perennially glum. A girl her age should be skipping and chatting and laughing. Yet in all the months she’d been with him, he’d never once heard a little-girl giggle. That wasn’t normal. -Logan

God and Loss of loved ones as Charley talks w/ Jeannette.

No one who lives in a world like this”—he swept a hand around the placid setting—“could possibly understand what I’ve gone through.” “I’m not certain that is true, Thomma. Each circumstance is unique, but loss is loss. And while we may be different than the other people who live in this town, hearts know no geographic or ethnic boundaries. Neither does the experience of grief.

M-T. “I have hoped, like you, that time would heal—but I am beginning to wonder if more is needed.” “You mean . . . like counseling?” “That is one idea. Or there is a grief group at St. Francis. People who’ve endured losses of many kinds meet once a week to share their experiences and feelings.” His pulse stuttered as he scowled at her. “You have talked to the priest about this?” “No.