What a whirlwind this has been for me to send my work out into the world and have it be read, judged, edited, judged, accepted and soon to be judged some more... ;)
It's an excruciating ordeal ~ my emotions have been running from intensely excited to overwhelmingly critical of my own work and everywhere in between.
For whatever reasons, I have been plagued with numerous health issues this year that resulted in several emergency room visits, surgeries, and a lengthy hospital stay. Despite these setbacks I have blazed through this year ~ and the finished copy of my book "My Brother's Advocate" that has been dedicated to my brother, John is nearing completion.
My family has endured alongside me as well. And although it hasn't always been fun, it has definitely been worth it. Through our laughter, tears and sometimes ranting and raving, we have managed to grow stronger and we have persevered.
Every major date that has plagued my calendar for years following John's murder has been gently buffered this year. From finding long lost friends on the anniversary of his death to receiving the artwork on the book cover on his birthday; I have seen the tender mercies and have been humbled.
Next week is Thanksgiving and I would be remiss if I did not give thanks for all that I have, for all that I am and for all that I hope to be.
This journey that we call life is fraught with difficulties, but it is also blessed with the simplicity of love and compassion of others. Life has been nothing short of amazing so far; I am very grateful to be able to have experienced so much of it.