Her Pilgrim Soul

An anthology of short fiction, including the title story, published here for the first time

Imaginative, magical stories delve into the lives of such characters as an aging hero with the power to remedy the Mideast crisis and a petty thief who steals an ancient Aztec healing stone. Reprint. K. PW.

The Pilgrim Soul, which was originally published in 1952, tells the legend of Dolly Copp of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a young bride she moved with her husband Hayes to their homestead in the virgin forests of 19th century New Hampshire. Together, they built a farm, raised a family, and warmly opened their home to many travelers who passed by their door. “Anne Miller Downes has re-created in novel form the New England historical legend of Hayes & Dolly Copp.”—Saturday Review.

This memoir focuses on an experience all of us dread. Pat Lotz was an accomplished author and editor, active in her community, and a loving wife and mother. She succumbed to dementia which was later diagnosed as Alzheimer's at the age of 81. Jim Lotz, her husband, and himself the author of more than 20 books, became her primary caregiver and spent six years in this role before her death in 2012. Growing numbers of people are falling victim to dementia, and the condition challenges health care professionals and the health care system because there is no cure or treatment. Many people unexpectedly find themselves in the same role as Jim -- caregiver -- because they don't want to see their loved ones institutionalized before it is necessary. But caring for someone suffering from dementia is enormously challenging, and there are very few places to look for useful information and guidance. Jim's experiences offer insight, understanding, and hope for others facing the same situation. The past is often key to understanding the present for someone caring for a person with dementia. A caregiver who has shared a life is often able to understand what others could hardly guess at. Time and again in Jim's narrative, he is able to bring the perspective of his knowledge of Pat, her values, her loves, her fears, and her life experiences to shed a light that makes her words and actions more understandable. For many, the best approach to coming to grips with dementia has been through the worlds of literature and film. To these resources we can now add Jim Lotz's moving and compelling account of his life with his wife Pat before -- and after -- the onset of her dementia. In Pilgrim Souls, Jim has written a clear-eyed, emotionally honest and tremendously moving love story.

1.“Divine Threads”: A tale of interconnected lives, where faith weaves a tapestry of hope. 2.“The Sacred Cipher”: Unravel the ancient symbols that hold the key to a hidden truth. 3.“Chalice of Miracles”: A quest for a mystical vessel that can heal hearts and souls. 4.“Whispers from the Sanctuary”: Secrets shared among the hallowed walls of a forgotten chapel. 5.“The Pilgrim’s Labyrinth”: Journey alongside a seeker as they navigate the twists of faith. 6.“Soulbound Scrolls”: An ancient manuscript reveals forgotten wisdom and eternal bonds. 7.“The Oracle’s Veil”: A seer’s visions blur the line between prophecy and reality. 8.“Eternal Ember”: A flame that burns across generations, igniting faith and courage. 9.“The Icon’s Tears”: A weeping statue holds a message of redemption for those who listen. 10“Harmony of Saints”: A choir of diverse souls harmonizing in their devotion.

An intellectually stimulating, profoundly inspiring anthology, wherein 60 authors reveal their own spiritual journeys and examine timeless problems of significance.