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“The Boy I Loved and Lost” by Gail Sobotkin in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength

10/28/2014

46 Comments

 
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I have long loved and treasured the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable books in the last quarter-century.

With over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, "chicken soup for the soul" is one of the world's best-known phrases. New books in the series continue to be popular with today's readers and books published years ago are still treasured by their owners. 

In 1993, I received Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit from my sister.  I was new in nursing management and the book helped ground me on the importance of life balance. 

In 1997, I gave my Momma Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Mothers  for Mother's Day.  In May, 2010, I re-gifted this book back to myself, upon Mom's death, as well as the Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul Journal  that I had given her in May, 2007.  These books will always mean the world to me.

In 2004, a dear friend gave me Chicken Soup for the Girlfriend's Soul:  Celebrating the Friends Who Cheer Us Up, Cheer Us On and Make Our Lives Complete for my birthday ~ one of those gifts you never forget.  
What a series ... a theme for every inspirational point along our life journey, written by men and women from every walk of life.

PictureAuthor, Gail Sobotkin
In Gail's own words: "This volume of CSFTS will include 101 empowering stories of resilience, positive thinking and overcoming many of life’s most difficult challenges such as divorce, addiction, natural disasters and financial problems.

We are all stronger than we think and the stories in this book show it’s possible to find happiness and silver linings despite tough times.

The foreword is written by actress and author Fran Drescher who is a uterine cancer survivor and president of the Cancer Schmancer Movement."

Recently Gail shared a pearl of wisdom that I could relate to because of my own life circumstances.  I suspect many of you can as well: "The older I get, the more I realize life truly is stranger than fiction and our life stories take more twists and turns than we could ever have imagined in our youth. The journey is sometimes difficult and bittersweet but even from the worst of times we can gain wisdom and use it to help others who are facing their own challenges."

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Imagine my delight when I recently learned that my dear friend, Gail Sobotkin, a retired community health nurse and freelance writer from Milford Delaware would have her story, The Boy I Loved and Lost included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength.
When Gail learned her story, The Boy I Loved and Lost, would be included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength, she walked the labyrinth at St. Peter’s Church in Lewes in prayerful meditation. It had been a long time since she lost her first love to cancer when she was 18-years-old, but she was grateful their love story would be published in the latest Chicken Soup book where it could reach many readers who are currently grieving and need to find a way to move forward with their lives despite their painful loss.
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Lewes Labyrinth at St. Peter's Church
PictureGail and Fred Sobotkin
She paused in the heart of the labyrinth and when the hair on her forearms tingled, sensed Helmut’s presence and silent approval. He’d suffered at the end of his short life but had wanted her to live a long life of service to others. The day before he died Helmut told her, “You’ll make a great nurse someday,” and it was the memory of those words which helped lift her out of her grief and focus on her nursing studies after his death.

During her long nursing career she took care of many patients who were chronically or terminally ill and though she has been married to a wonderful man for 40 years (whom she loves dearly), she never forgot the boy she loved and lost and how traumatic it was to watch him die at a time when there were no hospice services available.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Gail's Fred and can testify to the love, friendship and support these two remarkable people bring into each other's lives.

Personal and professional experience later taught her the comfort such services can provide. Gail's father died suddenly from a heart attack, but her brother, several close friends, and mother received hospice care before they passed away.
Gail said, “Grief is always hard to bear, but having the support of caring, knowledgeable professionals makes a huge difference when a family is faced with the imminent death of a loved one, and those services continue after the death when grief counseling for the survivors is needed.”



More recently, Gail discovered labyrinths can be healing in times of grief. In a commentary article that was published in the Sept. issue of Delaware Beach Life titled, Exploring Life’s Twists and Turns, she wrote about walking local labyrinths as a tool for meditation and a metaphysical journey through grief.  

She will be speaking about her use of the labyrinth as a healing tool at a Delaware Grief Workshop at the Milford Public Library on Sat. Nov. 1, 2014 from 10 am to 1 pm and is thrilled to be participating in this event which is sponsored by the Milton Wellness Center, Delaware Hospice and Delaware Grief Awareness Consortium in honor of Delaware’s Grief Awareness Week.

Gail said, “The workshop will be led by two bereavement counselors--Mary Van House, co-owner of the Milton Wellness Center, and Midge DiNatale, from Delaware Hospice. Mary is a certified labyrinth facilitator who will lead participants through a guided walk on a 30 feet canvas labyrinth. Midge will speak about grief and ways to cope with it.”

I had my first labyrinth walking experiences with Gail at the Labyrinth in the Anthony N. Fusco Reservoir at the Delaware Art Museum.  And my second will be when I attend this workshop on November 1st...!  I am greatly looking forward to learning more from these amazing women and furthering my own journey in the grief process.

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If you don't yet know, my friend Gail, you really need to take the time to check out her work.  As well as being a truly "great " nurse as Helmut predicted, she has been writing for 20 years and her stories and articles have appeared in the American Journal of Nursing, Delmarva Quarterly, Delaware Beach Life, and Mysterious & Miraculous Books I & II. Her work can also be seen on the website, HubPages.com where she writes under the pen name Happyboomernurse.


As for me, holiday shopping has suddenly become much easier.  In reading my own autographed copy of this book, I have discovered 100 equally amazing stories filled with inner strength and courage.  The writers are cancer survivors, retired, working single mothers, folks from every walk of life who are brave enough to share their vulnerabilities and the strength and wisdom gained from such.  

I was blown away reading Fran Drescher's unforgettable Foreword on her feelings about Cancer Schmancer.  'The Nanny' sums it up best in her philosophy that: "Sometimes the best gifts come in the ugliest packages."


This CSFTS volume is one that I will reach for time and time again, when in need of an inspirational lift. This book is a perennial comfort and a reminder that none of us travels  on this life journey alone.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength, just like my friend Gail Sobotkin, is a keeper!



46 Comments
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 12:00:28 pm

My Dear Maria,
You've brought tears to my eyes with this heartfelt review of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength and the story behind "The Boy I Loved and Lost."
Your support and friendship mean the world to me and I'm so glad you'll be at the upcoming Grief Workshop and Labyrinth Walk at the Milford Library. We have both had a long and winding journey filled with too much grief, but we know that sharing the journey with others promotes healing in a way that isn't possible to do alone. I am humbled to be a speaker, but know that I will learn the most from also being a participant. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and to the comfort of a mutual hug.
And Fred will have a great lunch waiting for us when we get back to my house!
Blessings & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 08:54:42 am

Dear Gail,

So thrilled you are the first to visit and that you are happy with this well-deserved review of an amazing book. I am ever so proud of you, and forever inspired.

I cannot wait until Saturday - for hugs, a wonderful learning experience and lunch from Chef Fred (which I know is going to be amazing)!

Love you and hugs,
Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 12:08:59 pm

Dear Femme,
Thanks so much for your behind the scene tech magic in posting and formatting this article.
I appreciate your friendship, mentorship and ongoing support.
Sending Blessings, Hugs & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 08:57:33 am

I have to 'second' this thanks to dear femme... She puts the 'icing on my cake'...with every single post I do, which makes my work shine like the brightest diamond.

Love you both and hugs, Maria

Reply
kimmie
10/28/2014 01:50:58 pm

What a beautiful review for a beautiful friend. I am looking forward to getting my copy. Wishing you the very best as you share your story...knowing it will bless many.
Love you Maria for sharing and Gail for sharing your heart
Love to you both
Kimmie

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 05:54:50 pm

Dear Kimmie,
Thanks so much for your loving thoughts and blessings. They mean the world to me.
Love & Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 08:59:50 am

Dear Kimmie and Gail,

Thank you both for these thoughtful and supportive remarks. Kimmie, you will indeed be inspired by this book. Love you both, Maria

femmeflashpoint link
10/28/2014 02:20:22 pm

Maria and Gail ...

Wow, ladies! Awesome post, and congratulations!

What a fantastic book to have a story featured in, Gail. I'm huge-whopping proud of you!

Professor Mar, as always a beautiful presentation in your special style, that gives wings to weight and makes it fly.

I'm very excited to get to be around for this one's launch and I'm expecting wonderful things to come of it!

femme

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 06:09:41 pm

Aw, thanks again, Femme.

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 09:02:38 am

Dear femme and Gail,

femme, I also share your optimism about this book...it is page after page of inspiration and hope...and we sure need more of that in today's world.

Thank you again, dear Ange...Love and hugs to you both, Maria

Alice
10/28/2014 02:50:59 pm

How kind, loving and wonderful....just like the 2 of YOU...
xo Ali

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 06:13:49 pm

Thanks Ali,
Maria's kind and loving ways are a true blessing in my life and I'm so grateful for her ongoing support of my writing and her friendship.
I appreciate your lovely comment.
Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 09:05:03 am

Dear Ali and Gail,

How wonderful that my inspirational mentor and dear friend has stopped by with this beautiful remark.

OK, 'Happy (belated) Birthday'...as now you know what will be in your gift bag when we meet for lunch soon, dear Ali.

LOVE you both and hugs,
Maria

Paula link
10/28/2014 03:45:43 pm

I feel lucky. How fortunate that I KNOW two beautiful, compassionate, loving & generous women. Maria & Gail, you give "empowerment" a whole new meaning.
I need to pick up this edition of CSFTS and am so eager to read it. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I am sending you both hugs, smiles & love.....catch them as they fly to you! The best part is, I know you'll pay it forward!.......Peace, Paula

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 06:19:37 pm

Dear Paula,
Oh wow, I caught those hugs, smiles & love as they flew by and I feel uplifted! Yes, they will be passed forward and an autographed book will soon be in your possession. Sending Love, Hugs, Peace & Blessings Your Way,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 09:07:24 am

Dear Paula and Gail,

Those "hugs, smiles and love" are just what the doctor ordered, dear Paula. Thanks for always understanding me...that makes you extra-special in my book...!!!

Love you both with my heart, Maria

Mike
10/28/2014 05:05:13 pm

Maria, this is an exceptional testament to the accomplishments of our mutual friend Gail. She has been such a pleasure to follow on Hubpages and get to know via the Mysterious and Miraculous experience. My hats off to you Maria for this splendid piece and to Gail for her accomplishment of again publishing her work. Bravo.

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/28/2014 06:24:42 pm

Dear Mike,
I second everything you said about the splendid review that Maria wrote. It moved me to tears when I first read it because I know I'm truly blessed to have such support and encouragement.
Thanks for your kind words about my writing and most of all thanks for being such a great mentor, supporter and friend. Thanks also, for making the awesome banner!
Sending Blessings, Hugs & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 09:09:51 am

Dear Mike and Gail,

Oh, I could not agree with Gail's response more, Mike. You have been an amazing teacher, support and friend to me. That makes your comments uber-special to me.

Hugs to you both,
Maria

Shauna L. Bowling link
10/29/2014 12:48:54 am

What a wonderful review, Mar. Gail is a very talented writer and loving person. I'm so happy her words and experiences are being shared with others who may gain comfort and inspiration from her.

I look forward to hearing about your labyrinth walk on November 1st. That's something I've never done.

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/29/2014 02:07:47 am

Hi Shauna,
Thanks for leaving such a lovely commnet and I hope you do get to walk a labyrinth someday, but for relaxation and enjoyment, not grief.
Love & Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/29/2014 09:12:15 am

Dear Sha and Gail,

I am so greatly looking forward to hearing Gail, Mary and Midge on Saturday and will be happy to share our experience.

I agree with Gail. I think you would thoroughly be inspired and moved by walking a labyrinth in your area.

Love you both and hugs too, Maria

Martie link
10/29/2014 07:40:55 am

This is a beautiful and most inspiring review of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength, and in particularly of Gail's contribution - "The Boy I Loved and Lost".

Makes one realize that our experiences become the tools we need to enrich our lives, as well as the lives of others.

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/29/2014 11:32:51 am

Hi Martie,
Thanks for leaving such a lovely, insightful comment. I do believe our experiences become the tools we need to enrich our lives, as well as the lives of others.
You're certainly a positive example of doing just that.
Sending Blessings, Hugs & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/30/2014 12:26:54 am

Dear Martie and Gail,

Wonderful that you are back, Martie...I also agree with your wise perspective about our life experiences.

Wishing you both a peaceful day. Love and hugs, Maria

Ruby link
10/29/2014 11:36:43 am

I became interested in walking the labyrinth in New Harmony, In. after my sis Eva passed away. I still have it on my to do list. To lose a friend so young had to be devastating, and before hospice. I'm sure his words of encouragement concerning nursing was heartfelt. On a personal note, Gail I admire your work with the bereavement workshop. Mar, this is a beautiful review of the Chicken soup book. Thank you for sharing, oh and have a wonderful time with Gail and her husband Fred..Love you...

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/29/2014 01:00:43 pm

Dear Ruby,
Thanks for leaving such a compassionate and heartfelt comment.
I hope you do find a labyrinth to walk in memory of your beloved sister, Eva.
Thanks also for your encouragement about the workshop. I'm thrilled that Maria will be there and my husband, Fred, will be happy to see her when she comes back to the house for lunch.
Hugs & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/30/2014 12:29:19 am

Dear Ruby and Gail,

Always so wonderful to see you, Ruby. I agree that a labyrinth experience would be healing for you, hoping you are able to do this at some point. Thanks for being such a sweet and supportive friend to us ... Love you both very much, Maria

Reply
Sannel Larson link
10/30/2014 11:02:42 am

What a lovely review, dear Maria. This is a heartwarming and most inspiring story by Gail. She's such an admiring and gifted writer, and I'm really happy to read about her here. Wishing you both a Happy Halloween, take care and God bless,
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
10/30/2014 03:02:48 pm

Dear Sannel,
Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment.
Hope you, too, have a Happy Halloween.
Sending Blessings & Hugs Your Way,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
10/31/2014 03:39:49 am

Dear Sannel and Gail,

So wonderful to see you and I always appreciate your kindness and support, dear Sannel.

Wishing you both a BOOtiful Halloween day filled with many treats.

Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Mike
11/4/2014 03:49:46 am

If anyone wanted to give a shout out to Gail's work on Twitter here are some links
http://amzn.to/1tUYgbb -Short Url to Amazon location
pic.twitter.com/ZyMtlYGms7 -CSFTS
pic.twitter.com/tEpMGbLY52 - Bookcover

Reply
Maria link
11/8/2014 11:09:27 am

Dear Mike,

I am just seeing this...not getting notices for my own website... :((

Thank you ever so much for this tweet info...how very kind and supportive of you! Hugs to you and Gail too, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/8/2014 11:25:10 am

Hi Mike and Maria,
I missed this too! Thanks so much Mike, you're awesome!!!
Hugs to Both of You,
Gail

Reply
Theresa Davis
11/8/2014 12:29:34 pm

Dear Maria,

I am so looking forward to reading Gail's contribution, "The Boy I Loved and Lost" in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength! This is such a beautifully written review here, but I expect no less from you. Thank you so much for sharing here and I am sorry for being so late in commenting.

It is so true that our life experiences, no matter how difficult they may be, truly can be shared to bless others who are facing the same struggles of grief and loss or any other trial, such as cancer.

I know Gail's story will bless all who read. I have always been blessed after reading stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Blessings and hugs to both of you beautiful women.

Love you,

Theresa

Reply
Theresa Davis
11/8/2014 12:33:28 pm

Oh, I'm sorry, Maria, I meant to mention that I attempted to tweet this, but it said, "Oops, it is over 140 characters"?

Hugs

Reply
Maria link
11/9/2014 12:06:27 am

Dear Theresa,

You are never too late to visit my website, especially this post which is so special to me about our dear friend, Gail.

I can't wait for you to get your copy of this amazing book, which was mailed out on Friday. Gail wrote a personal autograph for you that you will treasure.

Thanks for trying to tweet this as well. I believe the length of the title has something to do with it. Instead I am tweeting the links that Mike has provided in his comment above.

Have a peaceful Sunday. Love and hugs to you and Gail too, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/9/2014 05:54:02 am

Dear Theresa,
Your heartfelt comment brought tears to my eyes (but in the best of ways). Hope you do enjoy the story and the personal inscription I wrote to you.
We are blessed to have a generous, supportive friend like Maria who is always helping, and reaching out to others, spreading compassion and goodness wherever she goes.
Blessings, Love & Hugs to Both of You,
Gail

Reply
Theresa Davis
11/10/2014 01:23:47 pm

Thank you so much, Dear Maria and Dear Gail,

I can't wait to receive this amazing book and read it! I will forever cherish it.

I will try to tweet using Mike's links.

Gail, you are so kind to write a personal inscription. What an extra blessing! Maria is certainly one of the greatest supporters that I know of and I am so blessed to know and love her, and you too.

Hugs and man blessings to you both too,

Theresa

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/10/2014 02:30:26 pm

Hi Theresa,
It was my pleasure writing the inscription.
Thanks for tweeting this.
I feel like we're in a circle of blessings, and of course that's a wonderful thing.
Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Mary Craig link
11/13/2014 08:01:50 am

The English language fails when trying to describe women like Maria and Gail. The noblest profession a woman can LIVE is nursing. You two are what nursing should be.
I had the honor to read Gail's beautiful story (thanks to Maria & Gail) and I intend to pass this book around to my family.
Bless you both for all you do.
Love and warmest wishes,
Mary

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/13/2014 09:08:13 am

Dear Mary,
Oh my, your comment touched my heart and made my day!
So good to know you will be sharing the book with your whole family.
Blessings & Love,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
6/30/2015 06:39:53 am

What a blessing that I'm finding this comment and Gail's sweet response - many months later but just as appreciated today as when you left it, dear Mary.

Hoping you are continuing to feel better by the day - actually chicken soup sounds about in order...LOL!

Love and thanks to you both, Maria

Reply
Theresa Davis
11/19/2014 10:55:23 am

Dear Gail,

I received the book via our dear Maria's generosity, and your inscription is so beautiful. Thank you again. Your story is most beautiful and heartrending.

You both make this world a more beautiful place in which to live just by being you.

Hugs, blessings and love always,

Theresa

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/21/2014 01:08:00 am

Thanks Theresa,
Maria is indeed generous and spreads much inspiration and hope wherever she goes, even throughout Cyberspace!
Thanks so much for your loving words and ongoing support. It means so much to me.
Sending Blessings, Love & Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
6/30/2015 06:43:25 am

So, 'this' is why my ears have been burning...?!

Thanks to both of you, sweet friends. Love and hugs to you both, today and always, Maria

Reply



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