Words by Patrice Karst, Illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (2000, 2018)
After two weeks of being so proud of my momentum in showing up for this new business venture, a family emergency occurred halfway across the world. As in all accidents and emergency situations, it took us completely by surprise. We have been scrambling to get the health care and support that’s needed. We’ve been learning as we go about medical terminology and travel insurance policies. We’ve been coordinating surgeries and hospital care and transport and support amidst language barriers and opposite times of day and high stress and big emotions. It’s been A LOT.
But the book that’s been calling to me through all of it is this one.
(*affiliate link to my Bookshop page)
One stormy night, two kids are frightened, but their mom reassures them by teaching them about the invisible string that connects all of those who love each other. She explains that the string is there connecting them while they’re at school or asleep or with friends. The invisible strings connects us to all the people we love and care about, even despite distance or hurt feelings.
We first found this book years ago, after the passing of a loved one, to try to explain to our young daughter how people can always live on in our hearts. Although one page does touch lightly on the topic of death, most of it focuses on how the invisible string connects people when we are in different locations or doing different activities.
This is a sweet book that would be good to read anytime, but it is probably especially helpful during a transition like starting school or moving away from friends or missing a long-distance relative after a visit.
For me, during this recent huge Life event, the concept in this book is hugely comforting to think of the way we’re always connected with those we love.
I don’t have a video or an outfit or music for this post, but I wanted to share this age-old concept – There’s an invisible string connecting us all, no matter what.
Check out The Invisible String on my Bookshop page!