My experience reading this took on a different meaning in the closing weeks of the story. On March 31st, 2025 I said goodbye to my beloved cat of 15 years. For me this read along will be forever tied to the last year of his life. There were many times reading when he would stand on my lap demanding my attention. Now as I finish the final chapters I find myself missing the weight of his paws on my legs.
Thank you for sharing this Chris, my heart goes out to you. Right before the beginning of this reading fellowship, I also lost a close family member and fellow Tolkien lover, so I understand your pain and the way literature has an uncanny ability to become tied to those we love. As the year went by, I noticed how my grief changed, often lightened (or deepened) by Tolkien's keen spiritual awareness and the emphasis he placed on Death and grief, but also new beginnings and the cyclicality of nature. The grief is still fresh, but I sincerely pray that Tolkien can in some way give you hope like he has given me.
My experience reading this took on a different meaning in the closing weeks of the story. On March 31st, 2025 I said goodbye to my beloved cat of 15 years. For me this read along will be forever tied to the last year of his life. There were many times reading when he would stand on my lap demanding my attention. Now as I finish the final chapters I find myself missing the weight of his paws on my legs.
Thank you for sharing this Chris, my heart goes out to you. Right before the beginning of this reading fellowship, I also lost a close family member and fellow Tolkien lover, so I understand your pain and the way literature has an uncanny ability to become tied to those we love. As the year went by, I noticed how my grief changed, often lightened (or deepened) by Tolkien's keen spiritual awareness and the emphasis he placed on Death and grief, but also new beginnings and the cyclicality of nature. The grief is still fresh, but I sincerely pray that Tolkien can in some way give you hope like he has given me.
Thank you for your kind words.
Well done.