Cinnamin Herring
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In her mid-forties and nearing the end of her graduate studies, Cinnamin’s world is shattered by the sudden death of her husband. Determined to honor his memory, she sets aside her grief to finish her final internship. The day after graduation, she sets off on a two-week, unplanned journey through California, driven by a desire to face her sorrow and find answers. Through breathtaking vistas and moments of solitude, Cinnamin embarks on a quest for healing, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Four months after the unexpected death of her husband, Cinnamin Herring leaves her home in North Carolina for a journey through California’s majestic forests and vibrant cities. This trip is not just a chance to explore, but a way for her to begin grieving the loss of her closest friend and true love.
As she camps and hikes through the stunning landscapes of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, Cinnamin tries to escape the inevitable grief that shadows her every step. Along the way, she encounters the awe-inspiring presence of ancient Sequoia trees, meets intriguing people, and takes a leap from Muir Rock in Kings Canyon National Park.
Her wilderness adventures are interspersed with visits to diverse locales, from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the picturesque views of San Francisco. Amidst the beauty and challenges of her journey, Cinnamin seeks solace and grapples with her future in the wake of her loss.
Can she find a way forward without the partner who has been by her side since she was eighteen? Will she discover the hope she needs to carry on?
This harrowing, true story of family tragedy and a mother's love for her two sons follows Cinnamin Herring's personal growth and correspondence with her older son Simms while he is in prison. She learns more about the boundaries and self-care she needs while Simms learns how to grow and overcome his heroin addiction. Letters Behind Bars: A Mother-Son Memoir is a true story about a mother and son trying to survive tragedy and realize their dreams through authentic connection and collaboration. It’s a story of perseverance, hope, love, and redemption.
No one anticipates tragedy, but sometimes it hits you from all sides.
Determined to keep her head above water and continue pursuing her goals, Cinnamin Herring tries to keep her spirits up when her son is arrested for drugs.
When a traumatic incident further rips her family apart, Cinnamin must manage to hold it together and care for her sons, trying to steer them away from destructive life choices.
Yet, something sweet emerges amid life's difficulties, as Cinnamin and her oldest son Simms find solace in their correspondence during his time in prison. Cinnamin works on realizing her dream of being a novelist and on writing her story with her son, who contributes from his jail cell.
Written in the form of personal memoirs with letters, poems, and stories intermingled, this harrowing story of a wife and mother's grief shows how she learned to cope and emerged stronger from tragedy.
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Told with real emotion and written from the heart, this story is sure to leave an impression and offer hope to those struggling with drug addiction or watching loved ones make poor choices.