After her mother’s death in June 2006, Donna Cooley found daily solace in writing out the people, items, or situations she appreciated, regardless of how small or large.
Now, Cooley hopes to aid others mourning lost loved ones.
The 47-year-old Vancouver resident created “Things I’m Thankful For,” a two-year journal with more than 100 pages for grief-stricken readers to write what they’re appreciative of on a daily basis.
“I’m hopeful it will help others through their grieving process,” she said. Writing in a book rather than on a piece of paper is easier to keep track of and encourages participants to be diligent, she added.
Cooley got the original idea for her journal while participating in a bereavement group after her mother, Joyce McCabe, died from complications associated with a staph infection.
Writing out one or two things she was thankful for each day helped soothe her pain. Some days were more difficult than others, Cooley said. Her journal entries varied widely, from having a closer relationship with family members to not having to iron sweaters.
Cooley and her mother, who she described as “the most loving person on the planet,” had shared a close relationship. As a result of her mother’s death, Cooley sank into a deep depression that has since lifted through the support of her family and bereavement group, writing in her journal, and her faith.
“When you’re in a roomful of people feeling the same pain it’s not as bad as feeling it alone,” she said, recalling the group whose meetings spawned the idea for the journal.
Cooley’s “Things I’m Thankful For” is available at exlibrisgroup.com for $19.99.
Band finds groove at Kiwanis fundraiser
Misty River has for six years headlined the annual benefit concert for the Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club. So when band leader Carol Harley was approached about performing at the benefit for a seventh year, she didn’t hesitate. “It’s such a wonderful benefit,” she said.
The folk-inspired acoustic quartet will headline the concert March 13 at Skyview High School. All of the concert’s proceeds after expenses will be donated to the Kiwanis Club’s general fund. That money, in turn, will be given to community organizations in need.
The invitation was unexpected, Harley said. After the group’s concert in 2010, the Vancouver musician asked herself, “How can we keep drawing this many people?”
But organizers were convinced that they wanted Misty River back for a seventh year. “It’s become the annual thing, and we’re so grateful that people turn out for it. It’s such a great cause, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” Harley said.
Misty River will share the stage with Vancouver finger-style guitarist Doug Smith. The group has recorded and performed live with Smith in the past, so he is a welcome addition to the bill, Harley said. “He’s just a great performer,” she said. “He’s so eager to please, easy to work with and so talented.”
Fans should also expect to hear a few new songs, as well. Harley, 61, has been working on a new track that she’s excited for fans to hear. “It has to do with growing older,” she said. “I’m looking forward to that one. It’s kind of a novelty song, but everybody should relate.”
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