Good morning, mis internet amigxs,

I've gone silent on socials and here on Bindery during Latinx Heritage Month and I feel it's time for an explanation. More than anyone, you all deserve to know what is going on and what to expect moving forward.

Back in the summer, my mother was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks. When she was discharged from the hospital, her daily level of care significantly increased. I have been providing the help she needs 5-7 days per week since she returned home in July. She has also been back to the emergency room 3 times subsequent to her original stay, two of the times in the past month--once before the start of LHM and again last week. Her fall last week was severe and she has been in the hospital for the last 5 days.

Over the past few months, I have been able to manage Bien Leidos and caretaking. However, the hospital stay last week tried my ability to continue to work. I almost didn't make the trip, but last Thursday night, I got my family onboard and felt assured enough to travel. Most importantly, my mom was stable and in good spirits, urging me not to miss my trip.

It have been a mix of emotions this weekend, much of it overwhelmed with guilt for not being there for my mother, but she has remained stable and well throughout my visit.

My work begins today and I will be busy until I depart tomorrow night.

Now where does that leave Bien Leidos?

I, unfortunately, will be unable to post tomorrow's releases or provide Lectores and Libritos members with an early newsletter of all October releases.

I plan to get that updated by the weekend, if all continues to go smoothly with my mother this week when I return.

I apologize for the disruption, but it has been difficult to plan and get ahead especially in the past month. I am hoping to get to my normal weekly schedule here by next week and back on social media possibly a little sooner. I appreciate your patience with me as I walk through one of the most difficult seasons of my life (I can't believe Being Mortal by Atul Gawande ended up being a handbook for this year and I advise anyone who is dealing with elderly family members to puck it up).

I also do have a posting obligation this morning, so any interaction with that sponsored post is greatly appreciated.

I apologize this is so long and for my absence but I hope you can allow me some grace during this moment in my life. I appreciate you being here and for supporting my work. I have so much I want to create and share with you and am looking forward to that opportunity very soon.

All my love,

Carmen

xo