Hey hey, dear reader, happy September 2026! This summer was filled with incredibly precious moments and magical memory makers for me. What started in June with a once-in-a-lifetime mother-daughter birthday trip to NYC, continued in July with an anniversary celebration on a breathtaking Alaskan Cruise, and ended in August with an impromptu and inspiring road trip back home to Wisconsin when our nearly-ninety-year-old father showed up in his car in Texas, with a paper map and no idea how big our state is, to meet his new great granddaughter. Sigh.
And what an amazing adventure it was! The first day, we drove as far as Hot Springs, Arkansas, where we spent the night with the cousin who was my best friend in childhood. It was like oxygen to be with her again.
The second day, we drove for twelve hours all the way back to our hometown of Wayside, WI, so that Dad could get back to his corn ministry at church. We listened to classical music, shared stories from our lifetimes, and laughed so much it hurt. An incredible gift, one I’ll never forget.
While in Wayside, more laughter when Lori and Dave stopped by en route to a pre-season Packers game to reconnect and reminisce. How special to have these hometown friendships that have stood the test of time, fifty-plus years, to be exact. Dave brought six of my books to donate and signing them was such an honor to me.
Just look at how happy my Dad looks. August 25th marked the five-year anniversary of Mipps’ death, so signing a copy of Birdie & Mipps in front of him with our sibling picture hanging on the wall behind him felt like a serendipitous full-circle moment.
It’s hard to believe that he has missed 1825 sunsets since he left us. Mipps did love a good sunset, and this one is especially personal because that’s our family farm in the distance.
So I’m back in Texas now and ready for some R & R from my travels, so thankful for life’s sweetness and for the reminder about what really matters: Faith. Family. Friends. Fellowship.
I’m also grateful to hear from readers; here’s an email I received while I was away.
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Hi Barbara,
I came across Knit Back Together, and I found the emotional heart of Levi’s story incredibly touching.
What immediately stood out to me is that Levi isn’t simply dealing with the loss of someone he loves. After the sudden passing of his beloved Grams, he is left trying to understand how to move forward when the person who had been his guiding light is suddenly gone.
Then he arrives at a new school carrying that grief with him, only to discover something unexpected: a knitting center in his classroom and a new friendship with Frances.
I especially liked the symbolism of knitting in the story.
Levi’s heart feels broken, and yet the very activity that initially seems unfamiliar to him becomes part of his healing.
The question of whether knitting is “just for girls” or “just for grandmas” also gives the story another meaningful layer, allowing children to challenge assumptions while discovering that creativity, friendship, and emotional healing belong to everyone.
And the idea of being “knit back together” gives the book a beautiful way to talk about grief without making the story feel hopeless.
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Thank you, Chloe, for your kind reflections.
Oddly enough, these summertime opps knit me back together in a way that I didn’t know I needed.
And I’m forever grateful.
So as I continue celebrating my 65th year, do let me know if there’s anything that I can do this upcoming school year to support you in your character building.
Happy cheers!
Barbara Gruener 