Christy Heitger-Ewing makes sixth contribution to the famous book series.
Writer / Heather Chastain
The latest anthology of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” features a contribution from an Avon author. Christy Heitger-Ewing has contributed to the book series five times before but says the latest story is her favorite.
“It’s about perspective and how that perspective shifts in the face of love, loss and immeasurable appreciation,” says Heitger-Ewing, a freelance writer for more than 15 years.
The heartwarming story was released in March. In it, she shares her frustrations and gratitude to a mother she lost 4 years ago.
“She was such a fantastic mom and grandma, but sometimes it was frustrating,” Heitger-Ewing says. “When my son was 2 years old, I was living with my parents while going through a divorce, and it was Christmastime. I was so excited for my boy to come and get me up. I heard his little feet padding down the hall and right past my room to go wake my mom. It hurt my feelings. She was the fun one. And now that she’s gone, I’m really grateful for all she has done.”
This story was originally submitted for “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Gratitude: 101” but was held for the “Best Mom Ever!” anthology.
“I feel so grateful for everything my mom did for me. I don’t even know if I would be alive if it weren’t for what she did,” Heitger-Ewing says.
At just 12 years old, her mother admitted her to a hospital for treatment for anorexia nervosa. In the “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks to My Mom,” Heitger-Ewing wrote about how her mother supported her though treatment. She titled the story, “Reclaiming My Sparkle.”
She shared how her mother kindly and gently approached her about her condition, not that she wanted to hear it as an eighth grader, and how her mother said to her, “You’ve always had a sparkle about you. That sparkle’s gone.”
Heitger-Ewing’s hospital weigh-in revealed she was down to 77 pounds. She credits her mom’s fierce, unfailing love for helping her get healthy and reclaim her sparkle.
“I just wish she could be around to see my stories and appreciate it,” Heitger-Ewing says.
The freelance writer is also a published author. Her book “Cabin Glory” is a series of first-person stories about her family growing up at the cabin.
“Anybody who has grown up at a cabin or lake house or cottage can relate to these stories,” she says. “One of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received about the book was from a 97-year-old man. He said, ‘I felt like you told my life story.’”
You can buy “Cabin Glory” on CabinGlory.com or on Amazon. Heitger-Ewing will be at the Barnes & Noble in Plainfield on Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. for a book signing.
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