After my week + of AAUW Book Sale frenzy I happily whiled away some hours doing one of my favorite activities–reading. Chris was gone, the house was quiet, there was nothing that HAD to be done, the dock was ready, so I read and did not feel one ounce of guilt.

The book I was reading was one that I had wanted to read for some time. I even had it on hold at the library but when it was available I was not. Hate when that happens. But wonder of all wonders – I managed to find a copy at the fabulous book sale and took it home eagerly.

So I dove into The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles – a story based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II. I absolutely loved it and even though I seem to have read quite a few books about WWII in the past couple of years this was another one to love.

There are quite a few quotable quotes found in the book, it is one I will reread one day, but there was one passage that stuck with me especially.

When he steps outside, he can’t see six centimeters in front of him. He holds on to the clothesline to make it to the barn. Inside, Ma holds her breath, waiting. When I took the novel, Professor Cohen covered my hands with her own. ‘We can’t see what’s coming. All we can do is hold the line.'”

The Paris Library – Janet Skeslien Charles

Oh how I love that imagery. How true is it that we just can’t see what is ahead? All we can do is hold the line.

Stand fast.

Be strong.

Of course there have been times when I have wished I knew what was ahead. We have been planning. my mother’s Celebration of Life in September and a lot of what I have thought about has centered around the idea of what if I had known ahead of time about her dementia and decline. But honestly, I would not have changed much at all. I might have understood earlier what was going on but it would not have changed a lot for me.

I think I am more of the type who just wants to “hold the line” come what may and get on the other side. Not all things are something to dread, are they? There are plenty of joys and happiness to share as well.

How about you? Do you have times when you simply “hold the line” and wait? I would love to hear your reaction to this phrase in the comments. Remember to Comment for a Cause for Ohio Northern University – my mom’s alma mater.

Oh and that book sale? Highly successful and in fact – the most successful one in the history of the annual book sale. Books are definitely not dead as some pontificate. Thank goodness.