Introduction
by
Catherine Berry Stidsen
Ten years ago today, on the occasion of my 55th birthday, the first edition of these short stories was published. It was done as a gift to persons who had made my life so worth living over the years. Kind readers then suggested that I think of a second edition and add to it some other stories which were milling around in my mind. They also thought the general public would find the stories heart warming. This second edition is that, published on the occasion of my 65th birthday.
The stories appear in the order in which they were written. There is no real chronology to them. They seemed to need to be written at certain times in my life. Some are blacker than I would like them to be. Most are fiction but contain many biographical elements. I don't know that any genuine writer can do otherwise.
My life has been more happy than unhappy. I do find that I write to "double my joy and divide my grief", as the old German proverb about friendship goes. I think at times that any writing worth reading ought to aim at doubling the world's joy and dividing its grief. I offer you these pages with that hope in mind.
Catherine Berry Stidsen
"Oakwood"
Rural Route Three
Cayuga, Ontario, Canada NOA IEO
September 27, 2000
On the occasion of my 70th birthday, my friend and colleague, Ingrid H. Shafer, has put up a website in my honour. She will post these HERSTORIES on it as a special gift to aid in that suggested “heart warming”. I am truly grateful for her for this very special tribute.
Catherine Berry Stidsen
September 27, 2005