The Ronaissance

The Ronaissance

What 30 Authors, a Library, and a Turkey Sandwich Taught Me About Showing Up

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Ron Stempkowski
Oct 16, 2026
∙ Paid

Grief isn’t the topic most people stop at a table to talk about. But last weekend, at the Oak Park Public Library’s local author event, they did.

I was one of about 30 local authors gathered in the Veterans Room, tables lined up with books and banners and the quiet hope that someone will walk over. I brought The Luck We Carry: Love, Loss, and the Stories…

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