About

My Story So Far

Love

There are so many ways to love and be loved and I have always been so filled with love for others it drives me in life.

Writing

My little girl bedroom was my ‘library’ and my amazing novels were available for my brother to check out!

Plans for writing in the months ahead include interviews with people facing cancer in their lives and compiling together messages of light from their experiences. My friend Lori will be involved.  A prayer book of Tony’s reflections on scripture is another project I intend to pursue.

Ministry

Youth, Young Adults, Service, Retreats and Spiritual Direction have been passions. These experiences unite us in our hope along the way.

Light

Reluctant at every turn or invitation to a retreat or church event as a young person, Jesus has become my Light and Peace. He lights my way even when I become despairing.

Loss

The death of my Dad in 1998 after he fought Melanoma was my first deep, real loss requiring effort, prayer, and journaling to process. Infertility and the Miscarriage of our twins in 2007 brought me into a larger community of women (including several of my very best friends) with heartbreak and intentional healing efforts. The sudden and tragic loss of my love Tony in summer 2012 catapulted me from a loving and private life of family into a time of transformation of my entire world. Writing and other artistic endeavors are lifting my heart.

Miracles

The three sons Tony sweetly referred to as, “the fruit of our love” are my evidence of miracles and reminders we never know what gifts are on the way. Told multiple times that Luke was ‘a miracle’ and there would be no more children, I celebrate the surprises yet to be revealed!

Photography and Art

My love of photography and making memories has a huge place in this time of our lives as we not only document for the little boys who will have trouble remembering, but also let the art evolve and touch us. Lori Hernandez and her Urban Light Photography are at the heart of these images.

Drawing has become a way of unlayering my  emotions and a launchpad for more writing and expression.

My dear friend Julie Hill and her beautiful Art Studio in Iowa have provided multitudes of creative products for the boys and myself for snuggles and comfort. Jeffrey’s Grandma Connie is also making exquisite items for the boys for Christmas.

Wonderfully Made Christian Birthing

An outstanding course, we took this class and two refreshers  awaiting our children’s birth; it has now become part of my career. The author of the program, Marjory Mcclure and I co-authored and published an article in ICEA Journal. This program is now being packaged and will soon be available widely.