Who I am

I have been an athlete, a teacher, a coach for gymnastics, cheerleading and tennis, a personal trainer, a parent of three children, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a faith-filled Christian. After Matt's death, I became associated with Concern of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and I now am the Washington State Concern of Police Survivors Suicide Liaison. I have been assisting other survivors as they work through their shock and grief. I have contributed a biography of Matthew and a mother's letter to him for the newly published book, My Life for Your Life, by Clarke and Tracie Paris of The Pain Behind the Badge,Inc. I know what it takes to succeed in athletics, and in life, and I know the pain a death can cause, so I want to share my experiences with others to save lives. I'm passionate about this process (writing A Life Too Short: Matt's Story) and I am determined that this material will be in print soon to help others.

God is Great

I am so blessed. I received word yesterday that production of A Life Too Short:Matt's Story, has begun. I heard from my director of copyediting and she walked me through the process I will be going through. I sent off my endorsements yesterday and my photos will be sent this week. PRAISE THE LORD

A New Year

I am looking forward to 2012. I am retiring from coaching tennis, effective June 30. My book, A Life Too Short: Matt's Story, should be ready for prelaunch around July.
With retirement my husband and I can do so much more. Promoting my book, travelling, working in the yard, seeing the grandkids more and basically doing what we want without a schedule. My husband wants to do more Men's Ministry. I know he is a bit nervous about the retirement "thing." He knows it's time but has a fear what will "I" do. He will be fine but I guess it can be a little scarey. To tell you the truth I am just plain excited.
God is great and I know with us following His will, Not our own, we will be just fine.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year - 2012. Be sure to checkout my FB Julie Zielinski Author and follow along with little teesers from my up and coming book.
May God Bless You all.

Reflection

Christmas is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a blessing He is. I thank God for His Son and all He has done for me. May you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas

My shopping is done as is the baking and gift wrapping. The hustle and bustle of getting things done often stresses people out. That is why I start early and finish early so I can enjoy the season. With carolers singing in the background I find myself beginning to sing along, something I haven't done much of since Matthew died.

There is still my broken heart and missing Matthew so much at this special time of year. It was  his favorite time of year. I have a tree with all his ornaments in our family room. I especially like his hockey ornaments as he loved to play hockey.

There will be an empty place at our table but the memories live on. I know I will someday be with Matthew again. I look forward to those days. In the mean time I thank God for Matthew's life and for keeping me strong.

More Tragedies

As I turn on the news there are many more tragedies, suicides, murder, drunk drivers hitting and killing innocent people. This is one of the most tragic times of the year when it should be one of the happiest times.

There are many reasons for these tragedies - a person who has no one in their life, illness, loss of a child or loved one and the list goes on. Please don't drink and drive, or use drugs. There are places to go to get a hot meal. Go to church - God is everywhere. Why not ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. He is the one person you can always count on.

I pray for each and everyone of you - this is a tough time of year.

A Tough Season

For those of us who have lost a child this is a very tough time of year. I have lost several friends and two aunts this past year as well as Matthew, 6 years, 6 months and 12 days ago. Not a day goes by when I am not thinking of him. Christmas for Matthew showed the little kid in him. So funny and a joy to have around. He always had to have his stocking higher than anyone elses. He loved Christmas dinner and just being around family. He is soooo missed.

Last night Ron and I went to the Compassionate Friends candlelight service for the first time. A very touching night. One couple had lost their son just a few short months ago. They were so torn up and my heart just went out to them. Please say a little prayer for all of us this Christmas season.

This is a very hard time for many people. May God hold all of us up and help us get through this month.