Taking a moment to grieve.

Most of you are not aware of what we've been going through the last 20 months, and although I have tried very hard to sustain the business without missing any beats, I find myself in need of a break--just for a few weeks, so that I may grieve the loss of my husband, who was my greatest cheerleader and support. 

My husband, Donald, was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in January, 2022. We found out in September, 2022 that there was no chance of recovery--that he was terminal. He put up such a fight (or maybe it was a front) that the kids and I were always imagining that he would pull through (even though, intellectually, we knew better); he was the same for so long, that even after he got very sick in April of this year and spent 10 days at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, we had no idea that he was so close to dying. Only a few days before he passed was there any indication that it was imminent. Fortunately, it gave me enough time to gather the children to him; he died the evening of July 14, just four hours after his daughter Sarah finally made it in from Kansas City.

My heart goes out to any of you who have had to deal with this kind of illness and death. I am forever changed. 

Although I anticipated getting right back to business (we had fallen behind some in the weeks preceding his death, as I was determined to be with him as much as possible), I found myself stunted by this loss in a way that I had not imagined possible. It felt like some kind of strange paralyzation, and my work has been sluggish and halting. I am, as my children have always said, someone who "loves to work;" and yet, I found myself unable to get out of my own way. I have been caught forgetting simple things, and staring blankly at work that needs to be done, as if it requires some kind of interpretation or formula that is foreign to me. I don't want to belabor this point, but please, believe me when I tell you that I have wanted desperately to get back to my normal, workaholic self, yet I have been incapacitated by Donald's death.

For that reason, I am taking a break before the holidays hit. Those of you who have placed orders will see them ship within the week.  After that, I am going to disappear for a few weeks. You may place orders, if you'd like, but there exists the possibility that they won't be delivered until mid-November. I have been trying to keep this proverbial ship afloat, and it just keeps taking on water. I am going to allow myself a few weeks to process all that has happened, so that I can come back refreshed and ready for the upcoming busy season. 

So many of you have been loyal customers for a long time, and have been so patient with us as we have worked through this challenging time; others are really just getting to know us, but please be assured that all of you are incredibly important, and your support, understanding, and patience are greatly valued. 

With the deepest appreciation and gratitude,

Stora

​Stora Montgomery Kamens
Owner, Kate's Candle Co.