A Light in the Window

 

When I was in high school, and well into my twenties, my mother would leave a light on when I went out at night.

In my twenties, when I went out with friends, my sister was often with me, and we didn’t always get home until the wee hours of the morning. No matter how late it was, we would pull into the driveway and see the lamp burning in our home’s hallway.

It wasn’t meant for the world to see.
It was meant for us.

I would quietly tiptoe into the house, careful not to make a sound. But as I climbed the stairs to my room, I would hear it — her soft sigh. A sigh of relief. She was awake enough to know we were home safely.

That light said everything she didn’t need to put into words.
You’re safe.
You’re home.
You’re loved.

In Caitlin’s Star, children and families are invited to reflect on the Special Jobs the people they love once did and the things that made them them. Not grand titles or careers, but the quiet roles they played so faithfully in our lives.

When I think about my mother’s Special Job, I don’t think of anything formal or extraordinary.

I think of that light.

Her Special Job was being the one who stayed awake just long enough.
The one who left the light on.
The one who watched over the night.

And when I imagine her now, I picture her doing the same thing —
a beacon,
a North Star,
welcoming one and all home.

Sources for Caitlin's Star

 Welcome, Caitlin’s Star is an interactive picture book offering comfort to children and families navigating loss. Explore the book, media features, and related resources below.

Explore the Book 

Caitlin's Star on Amazon

Caitlin's Star on Goodreads  

 

Watch and Learn 

 Caitlin's Star Book Trailer 

Nancy Range Anderson reads Caitlin's Star here.  

Nancy Range Anderson explains how to use the interactive prompts and journal pages here.

 

Seasonal Reflections 

Holiday Memories

 

 In the News

 The Monmouth Journal 

 The Link News

The Patch News Estero, Fl

The Patch News Long Branch, NJ  

 

Connect 

Nancy Range Anderson Children's Author  on Facebook

Nancy Range Anderson Books on Instagram

My Word for 2026 - Heal

Yesterday, a friend invited a small group of us to her home for a light lunch and a simple craft. The project was to paint a rock with our Word for 2026. She kindly gave us a few days in advance to think about what that word might be.

What I expected to be an easy exercise took more time than I imagined.

As I reflected on everything 2025 held—publishing Caitlin’s Star, learning how to market it, managing family responsibilities, volunteering, caring for my dog, and tending to my own health, I realized how much the year asked of me emotionally, mentally, and physically.

The word I chose was Heal.

Not only for physical healing, but for emotional and spiritual healing as well. For forgiving myself for past lessons, continuing to grow, and staying open to learning. It also represents my hope to heal from the pain in my knees and to move forward with patience (someone did choose this word) and trust.

Painting that single word on a rock felt grounding. It was a quiet reminder that healing is not rushed, and that growth often happens in small, steady ways.

As we move into a new year, I’m holding space for healing in all its forms.

What is your word for 2026?

The Moments That Become Our Memories

 Last week, a wonderful friend and neighbor suddenly passed away. His loss was a quiet reminder of how swiftly life moves — how, in the blink of an eye, we travel from childhood to adolescence, from young adulthood to older adulthood.

As I thought about his family this morning, a few simple reflections came to mind.

• Live in the moment. Be fully present at the concert, the play, or the conversation. When you’re young, some things may feel silly or unimportant, but they’re not. These are the songs that stay tucked in your memory and resurface years later at holidays, sung word for word. These are the moments that quietly shape us.

• Really look at your family. If you’re lucky, they are showing up for you, creating memories, and doing their best to give you something meaningful to carry forward.

• Don’t feel the need to do things exactly the way everyone else does. If others paint their canvases one way, it’s okay to choose your own colors.

• Walk away from people who don’t treat you well. Don’t let anyone take up space in your mind or dim your light. There are plenty of people who will appreciate and celebrate who you are.

• Notice things. When you walk, look up. Take in your surroundings — not just for safety, but for beauty. We are given only so many walks in our lives, and each one holds something worth seeing.

As the holidays draw near and we look ahead to a new year, I find myself thinking about presence, gratitude, and the fleeting nature of time. May we notice more, hold our people a little closer, and allow ourselves to truly be in the moments that quietly become our memories.

When a Story Brings Back Fond Memories

 

I saw a friend today who shared that she had bought Caitlin's Star and loved it. She told me that Grandmother Pearl reminded her so much of her own grandmother.

 

I asked her what kind of “job” she thought her grandmother might have. She paused for a moment, then smiled and said she imagined her grandmother would be the one welcoming people. She also thought she would be the one offering gentle, heavenly advice.

 

I love hearing people talk about what their loved ones’ special jobs might be. Their eyes light up, and they smile as they remember the traits, habits, and kindness that made those people so special. It’s a beautiful reminder that love continues through the memories we carry.

 

I’ll share one of mine, too. This is my grandmother (Mom Mom) at Christmastime back when I was about six years old. She's here with my Pop Pop, mom, sister and me. When I think about her special job, I imagine her as a warm, loving caretaker — always making sure everyone felt safe, welcome, and loved. She's probably still giving the best hugs!

Memories of Holidays Gone By

✨A conversation with an old friend brought back so many holiday memories — the music, the food, the people who filled our homes and our hearts. This reflection grew out of that conversation and out of Caitlin’s Star. My hope is that it brings a quiet moment of warmth and peace to your holiday season. 

👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/pNtTLBcB23E

#HolidayReflection #FamilyMemories #CaitlinsStar #RememberingLovedOnes #GentleMoments

 

 

 

 

Fear of Public Speaking and Some Tips to Overcome It

 Did you know that the fear of public speaking sometimes ranks # 1 in the list of fears that people face. It surpasses fear of spiders, falling, fire, flying, heights and even death! It also has a name - Glossophobia and it affects  up to 75% of people to some degree. The major reasons for the angst is fear of judgement, past experiences and social anxiety.

Recently in some book groups that I am in on social media, an author said that she was going to be making some presentations about her book. She said that she was petrified and she asked for some suggestions on what to do.

She got all kinds of responses and I agreed with many of them. Others though, not so much. I've attached my response to her. 

"I'm a former corporate trainer and my job was preparing and giving training sessions and presentations. My best advice is to plan what you are going to say and practice, practice practice. Find out how much time you will be given and create a small presentation to fill that space. Have an intro - who you are, your background and why you wrote the book. Tell a little about the book - who it is for, read some portions of it, give examples of why those parts hit you and why. Give a personal story or two, people like that because they can relate. This is authenticity.

 I like to walk around during a presentation but with a book, it's good to stay put. Look at the people and don't forget to smile. Once you know what you want to say, practice it in the car, in the shower, while doing the dishes. Say it out loud and then time yourself. You will be surprised at how good you are and how much better you get with each presentation. I envy you and can't wait to hear how you made out!"

 

What other tips would you add?