Spring break brought rainstorms, Vikings‑in‑training, a domestic war zone of spring cleaning, and the chaotic countdown to my Barnes & Noble signing. Between last‑minute flyers, triple‑checking inventory, and loading my Jeep like it was prepping for battle, it was a lot — but the milestone and the magic made every bit of chaos worth it.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one and the grief that follows can be a 'slippery slope,' as it often brings a complex mix of emotions...