Death, Grief, Bereavement
Date Published: 1-6-2017
Publisher: Cygnet Publications, Cygnet Media Group Inc.
When her beloved soul friend husband, Gerald, passed away a few years ago, and her friends and sons moved to distant cities, she found herself alone for the first time in her life.
Gerald, a professional artist, had his studio in their home. Their home was always filled with family life, art, music, joy and playfulness in the garden.
After his passing, the silence was loud. The joy was gone — her paradise — a lost paradise.
She had two choices, either to fall apart or to get on with life. She chose the latter and traveled to find a home, a community — however - nowhere was home - since he left.
In writing Nowhere Is Home … Since You Left, Madeleine Zeldin shares her insights, emotions, and true life experiences as she journeys solo throughout the years following the sorrowful death of her soul mate, internationally renowned artist, Gerald Zeldin. She presents years of storytelling based on travel journals she wrote while traveling to countries such as Mexico, Philippines, Ecuador, France, Spain, and California, U.S.A. Zeldin also reveals the intensity of the pain and sorrow experienced in her grief, along with the fulfillment, satisfaction and logistics of international travel. In her travels she volunteered in the medical field and gave help where help was needed. She brings inspiration to those of her generation, the 60’s, who find themselves alone.
Through her evocative tales of adventure, Zeldin reveals this life-changing knowledge to the world!
But ultimately where is Home?
Interview
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Since my books are mostly 'my story', I find the nostalgia, the memories that creep into my mind and my soul as i write become a double edged sword ... which at times urge me to go forward and at times stop me in their tracks.
What songs are played on your IPOD?
Being very old-fashioned, I do not own an IPOD. However, you will most often hear old jazz of the '30's and '40's and sometimes, the deep souled voices of
Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen ... songs of love and loss ...
playing on my little stereo. One very special spiritual, a favourite of my late husband, as well as mine, which we often played for Gerald as he lay dying in our home, Nina Simone's Nearer Blessed Lord, has been played a million times since his death in 2010. Less often you will hear classics and some opera.
Do you have a critique partner?
My audience, my readers become my critique partners in some way ...
but, of course, my own emotions will critique what I have written.
My style of writing is free form style, written more like a 'sketch' or like a conversation. So, really, only I can change that 'drawing'.
What book are you reading now?
My reading habits have changed since my late husband passed away ...
they have become like a roller coaster ride.
At times I am unable to pick up a book, usually due to some nostalgic state.
At others, I read voraciously. Presently, I am reading 3 books ...
1. Benedict's Dharma ... Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The basic premise of this book is ... Be Kind ... and be aware that all our
actions have consequences.
2. Shake Hands With The Devil ... The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda ...
by Romeo Dallaire, the very brave and kind
Lieutenant General in the Rwandan Civil War in the mid '90's .
A quote from Dallaire that haunts me, speaking of the Rwandan General,
Dallaire states, ' I know there is a God,
because today I shook hands with the devil'.
3. Goodnight From London ... by Jennifer Robson
a touching story of love and loss set in WW 11 ...
How Did You Start Your Writing Career?
There was never really a beginning. As far back as I can remember,
I was telling stories, which often amused people. I guess I really consider myself 'a story teller' rather than a 'writer'. As an artist, I often write a 'sketch' of my
experiences.
However, what really inspired me to write my first published book,
Our Last Dance ... A Love Story, in 2011 was the wish of my late, beloved husband, my soul friend, Gerald. We battled cancer for many years, during which there were many medical errors which caused Gerald unnecessary, intense pain and suffering, and perhaps, ultimately, his death.
It was Gerald's deathbed wish to have his story told, so that others may be helped.
In writing, Our Last Dance ... A Love Story, I succeeded in having many
much needed changes made in our medical system.
From that, I just seemed to 'roll' into writing my next book,
Nowhere Is Home ... Since You Left. It was a natural progression of life and
what followed after Gerald's death.
Tell Us About Your Next Release.
My next book is a child's book titled Fiona ... The Fat, Fluffy Feline which was
inspired by a true happening with my adorable granddaughter, Alessandra,
when she was just a toddler.
I am hoping this book will help many children work through their grief of any kind,
as well as amuse, teach and liberate.
About the Author
Professionally, Ms. Zeldin has been engaged in nursing and teaching. She has successfully advocated for changes in the medical field, along with homebirth and Midwifery. In her travels to out of the way places, she has been a keen observer of people and distant cultures, often writing a 'sketch' of her experience.
Madeleine is an advocate of advocacy.
Madeleine believes we can all make a difference.
Throughout her adult life she has successfully advocated for change. When she felt change was needed, she rallied. She lobbied. She started a group or joined a group.
In the late '70's, when her town council was considering tearing down old heritage properties in the name of 'Progress', she helped start a group of interested citizens in order to save these heritage properties. 'Progress' was stopped and many heritage buildings were saved due to the group's diligence.
Again in the early '80's, Madeleine herself changed local hospital policy to allow midwives to accompany couples in the birthing room, after the hospital refused to allow her midwife to enter.
She belonged to a group of informed parents who advocated for changes in the policies for vaccinations.
Madeleine volunteered at the local Health Center and advocated for improved health care for refugees. Improvements were made.
She successfully advocated for her soul-friend, late husband Gerald's medical care throughout their six year battle with cancer. Many important changes were implemented in our medical system due to her persistence.
Madeleine has been ahead of her time in her generation. She had many professions throughout her life including social worker, teacher, registered nurse. She also joined a group of midwives and again successfully advocated for choices in childbirth.
However, she considers her most important achievement as being a mother and grandmother. She has instilled in her family a sense of love and empathy and has taught them to love the earth and its people.
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