They say every face in a crowd has a story to tell, this is my story..

The news shows and newspapers all called it 'Road Rage'. To me that sounded like a disease, an affliction that can make you kill. A sorry excuse to take the claw end of a hammer and slam it repeatedly into the skull of a human being. In April of 1999 my little brother passed away. Doesn't passed away sound so gentle, even normal? David's death was neither. It was murder. He was found lying in a strangers driveway in a pool of blood. He had been punched, stomped and beaten over his entire body. I still have so many questions. I wrote this book at first for therapy and then for answers. I have found a few. I mainly realized l lost a brother tragically and senselessly. Like every other face in the crowd I have a story..and I want to share my story with you! PUBLICATION DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL :)

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Getting ready to look in the rear view mirror...

It has been one heck of a crazy summer for me and my family and I am trying to put it behind me and move on...
We had a brand new grand daughter born on June 1, 2010.  It was a long and anxiety ridden pregnancy for all of us because my daughter has serious health issues of her own that put her pregnancy at extremely high risk. A bit early but 100% feisty and healthy we all welcomed Peyton Elizabeth into our family.
On June 16th we had a family week at the beach. When I say family I mean serious family; 100's of us. We had the most chaotic and glorious vacation.
The evening after we arrived home; we got the middle of the night phone call no parent or grand parent ever wants to receive. My stepson Michael, 29 years old had been in a motorcycle accident. He was in extremely critical condition with internal injuries to nearly every major organ. He was in a coma for 23 days. 
On the 20th day I was at the hospital and they were preparing Michael for his 8th surgery. I had maintained my composure and tried to be strong for my husband because you see he lost his oldest son at the age of 17 to suicide. Michael was the only one for John now. But on that day I had a meltdown. There were 2 step parents;2  parents and a huge extended family and we were all there for John and Michael. A few were not there for me; and I still sting from the cruelness of a few others actions. I am working very hard at trying to forgive them and actually that is the easy part it is the forgetting that is hard.
So in my meltdown I went down to the lobby of the hospital and sat in a chair. The sun was  shining so bright. The tears came and I could not stop them. My phone rang. It was my mother. My 8 year old grand son, Dominic was being air lifted to Children's Hospital after a freak accident where a metal pole went in one side of his lower leg and out the other. I stood up and began pacing like a crazy woman. They were taking him first to a Children's trauma center close to home to be stabilized and then sent to the city. I did not know which way to go.
The Public Relation's manager from Chester-Crozier Medical Center was hugging me and other personal surrounded me. They thought the worst had happened with Michael.
Miraculously the pole that went through Dominic's leg went between a main artery and a main bone. A miracle the surgeon said. They only had to repair some muscle and some tendon's.
 Today both boys are recuperating and will by the grace of God be 100% as good as they were before their accidents.
My husband and I did a couple of 'we missed the whole summer marathons' and are now getting ready for the next season or the next chapter of our lives.
I can never thank all of you enough for your prayers and kind words. I really feel so connected to my blog friends and feel that if we ever meet it will be like we have been friends for years.
I am not quite ready to say goodbye to summer; maybe next week!
For now I am working on the very last revisions to the book; have made travel plans to meet my production team and I should be thrilled but I am still sad. It is the story of my brother's murder. I was so overwhelmingly compelled to tell the story; the insanity and senselessness of it all and I believe in my heart David would be thrilled for me. So I am going to smile and get ready for the next chapter of this process; which actually requires a lot more work than sitting in jammies and typing all day.
I collect quotes and have them everywhere but this one has been my favorite for about a month now and I am not going to miss my knock on the door.
"Before the angel of success arrives in your life, you should devote yourself to preparing your welcome for her. Polish your craft and strengthen your body to be fit so you can do your job and enjoy your success when it comes. Sharpen your mind and spirit so they are ready to face the challenges that accompany a visitation from the angel of success. If you are not ready when the angel knocks she will flee. And who knows if she will make it back around to your door again".
Peyton Elizabeth/3month's old
How could you not believe in angels?


7 comments:

  1. What a difficult year! I'm so sorry that you have had so many heavy burdens to carry, but it sounds like you have come through with flying colors and are ready to face the future with a smile! Peyton is beautiful!

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  2. love that quote! congratulations on the many miracles of your summer & your book ~ glad to hear your step-son & grandchildren are healthy!

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  3. What a very difficult year it has been for your family. You grandbaby is majestic. She has that twinkle in her eye. I will be praying and sending my good vibes your way. You can Do IT? Sound's like you could do anything! Bountiful Blessings to You and Yours.

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  4. Thanks for your words, wise one too. And to your little Peyton...she is beautiful! :-)

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  5. Oh goodness! You have really been through it! I do hope things continue to get better. I'm so glad both boys are doing good, and you sure have a beautiful grandbaby.

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  6. It certainly was a summer that you will never forget! Could it be the beginnings of another book?
    Beleive it or not, there once was a time that my life was just as filled with crisis--all at once! I wondered if I would survive--I did.

    Peyton Elizabeth is precious--and I love that name! I, too, have a precious granddaughter, who was born of a high risk pregnancy. Interesting, isn't it? Her name is Madison Elizabeth, and she's almost 4.

    So glad to hear that you and hubby found time for a "get away"--it was well deserved after the summer that you two had! Best wishes with your book!

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  7. You granddaughter is adorable. Also glad to hear the guys are all better. I can't imagine having your summer. That would be a test and a half of ones sanity. How exciting that your book is almost done. That's quite the accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself even though the story is a sad one. So many people never even write a whole book much less get it published. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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