Fragile? Beware the love bomber

Lessons from the death of children’s author Helen Bailey

I would have liked Helen.

She was a writer, of the popular Electra Brown teen series, and in all wrote 22 books of short stories, picture books, and young adult fiction.

She was feisty and quirky, and had an enviable life with her partner of more than 20 years, John Sinton. Then John drowned while they were on holiday in Barbados. His death understandably poleaxed Helen, leading to her to write her first adult book, When Bad Things Happen In Good Bikinis, and to also publish a blog (Planet Grief) to share her feelings and experiences.

The British author was only in her 40s when John died and while she had no money worries, a loyal readership, a loving family, and the devoted companionship of her dachshund, Boris, she was open to something more. She was open to love.

Helen probably didn’t fully realize this when she joined online bereavement communities. Connecting with others who had gone through a similar loss was no doubt comforting including, before long, Ian Stewart, who like her had lost his spouse suddenly.

Soon they were an item. She dubbed Ian the Gorgeous Grey Haired Widower (GGHW). They planned to marry.