You and I have something special going on here. I want you to understand that I appreciate that fact. I write. You read. We bond over the stories. There is a connection in our history together that brings a sense of satisfaction to this old man.

For the last three months, because you are sympathetic by nature, you have endured my ramblings about my life, my uncertainties, my loss and my journey through grief. Knowing that you take time out of your day to listen and knowing that you support what I’m doing has been extremely valuable to me. You have been right there with me through it all. That’s what friends do.

But I never set out to use this platform to write about me. Lately, it’s been too much about me. My writing has transitioned from stories about people and places and events to essays about my own personal passage. I haven’t told many stories since August. I’ve taken a dive into my own emotions and experiences. Honestly, I can’t seem to write about anything else.

Which brings me to this. I should sign off for a while from Georgia Bred. I know that I still need to process my loss, but I think it’s unfair to continue do that here. There’s only so much raw emotion that any friend can take. If a man is lucky, there will be a few who will bear with it. A few who will want to bear with it. But no one should be forced to bear it.

The way I see it, you need a break as much as I do. The stories are still there somewhere. I just need to find them again. I need to get back to what I was doing when I started this writing gig. Which is something I don’t seem to be able to pull off right now.

I love writing. I’m not quitting. But I have no idea how long this break will be. I just know that I can’t keep up the pace I’ve set for myself and be fair to you at the same time. I would probably ruin Christmas for you with all of my baggage when I should be setting the stage for celebration and joy. Babies being born. Songs of faith. Good will to all men.

So, wish me well. I’m going to hunker down for some eggnog and Christmas cheer with my family. If a good story comes along, you might hear from me. In the meantime, I’ll be wishing you all the best for this season of the year. That’s what friends do.

May His peace and joy fill your life each and every day.