Right Path

                                                           

We enjoyed being with our grandchildren last weekend. They all have March birthdays and because our schedules don't work we celebrated their birthdays early. Our oldest granddaughter will be thirteen - a teenager! They are all great children with extremely good manners. No matter what stage or age we find our children/grandchildren in be sure to note any attitude changes or volatile mood swings.  It is OK to intervene when necessary--it's all part of being a parent/grandparent.  Make sure they know that they can come to you for anything even if they are told by someone NOT to tell. The goal is to keep our children/grandchildren safe and on the right path.

Suicide

Due to the increasing number of suicides in 2012 and into 2013, a book I have authored, Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors," can hopefully offer some insight into a societal issue that no one wants to talk about. "Matt's Last Call" is a self-help guide for those contemplating suicide and for the survivors of losing a loved one to suicide. If we know the signs to look for we can save a life. However, it is important to GET HELP IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT push it under the carpet. ACT NOW! This book is for you.

The book tells of Matt's life to death, his time as a Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps and his career as a Chelan County Sheriff Deputy. Chapters include a Parent's Worst Nightmare, That First Day, The Time Since, Life will Never Be The Same and a Father's Reflection. In addition, the Stigma of Suicide guides you through what to look for and what to do if someone is contemplating suicide. We as adults, parens and grandparents need to set an example for our children. Guide them through the growing up years and keep them communicating with you. Let them know it is OK to talk about being bullied at school or helping a friend or classmate who feels their life is hopeless. Don't be afraid to talk. It is better to talk and have a friend be mad at you than to keep quiet and risk suffering a life-ending choice. There are stories from Marines, classmates of Matt's, and a tragic story about my daughter - in - law who lived to tell her story.

Being an unknown author I need everyone's help. Please share my story with your friends - I know Matt's Marine buddies are spreading the word and I am receiving awesome stories from them about their time with Matt and their own lives. Please help me save lives.

Suicide is such a significant issue across the land that it can no longer be ignored. It will take an army of people who can recognize the signs and be bold enough to step into someone's life when necessary.

Result of Tragedy

I received a phone call the other day from the manager of our Christian bookstore. A person was in the store asking for information on how to publish a book. The manager suggested me as a recent author. The person knew Matt and happened to have been at the scene the night Matt took his life. They asked the manager for my contact information but that was not given out. I called the person, introduced myself -shocked, crying and definitely remorseful that I had called they told me their story. We discussed Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors and what I went through, start to finish, in gettong it published.

I was then asked to hear the persons' story. How that night through partying, being drunk, smoking etc Matt's death changed their life forever. Without looking back all partying, drinking, smoking were stopped cold turkey. They have not spoken to Matt's ex since that tragic night. I learned more through our conversation - just as I had suspected all along. This person accepted Jesus Christ that night. They cut all ties with the old group and never looked back. The group thought the person was a little weird. Obviously that group has no respect for life or death. Always thinking of us, especially every June 1, since 2005. Wanting to send flowers and cards but not daring because of the quilt they had. They asked for forgiveness and I told them them definitely you are forgiven but you were never blamed for what happened. I KNOW what happened. They asked if they could pray as our conversation ended. I said yes and it was one of the strongest prayers I have ever heard. May God Bless you and thank you for wanting to get in touch with me. All is forgiven.

Trailer

What is a Trailer? A Trailer is a :15 second TV commercial.

My Trailer is almost complete and will air on the following networks. ( most if not all) Discovery, Fox News, History Channel, Lifetime, Food Network, TLC, A&E, HGTV, ESPN, USA Network, CNN Headline News, AMC, Angel One, Animal Planet, The Weather Channel and CMT. :15 seconds is quick but you will recognize my book and words immediately. I ask that if you see my Trailer please let me know. I won't receive a schedule. My marketing director, Terry will send me a report after the ads have aired, which will indicate the dates/times/networks and number of households which viewed each ad. As soon as I get the final trailer I will put it on facebook. Here's hoping that Matt's Last Call: Surviving Our Protectors will reach many people and save lives.

Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, my favorite time of year. We have seven inches of snow and yesterday's beautiful sunshine created many glistening trees in our yard. God's beautiful creation is amazing. Now those of you who know me know that I do NOT like cold and would rather be somewhere in the sun. Today it doesn't matter where I am - Jesus Christ was born and He is what matters in my life. It is time to stop the hustle and bustle and take time to thank the LORD for what He has done for us.  Don't forget to remember those who are suffering and sad today because of a loss in the family or illness of a loved one. Stop and say a little prayer for those less fortunate than you and help them if you can. Remember this is JESUS' day!

Life in Palm Desert

Ron and I had a little break, although I did have a couple of events, and went to Palm Desert. We stayed at our daughter's home the first night. It was so fun seeing the grandkids. They sure have grown. We stayed with my brother and sister-in-law for 4 days and then went to our timeshare for 6 days. We arrived with 80+ degree weather. Oh we were loving it. Friends came for Happy Hour and we all had a great time. The weather was in the 80's through Monday or Tuesday so we were swimming, hanging out by the pool just resting and enjoying life. We played tennis and looked at many open houses. I did find a couple - I do have my favorite but Ron just shakes his head. Ron has never been out of town during the Christmas season so as we were sitting outside eating at Sammy's Woodfire Pizza, Christmas Caroles were playing and the lights were all aglow. Ron said this is just weird, how can it be so hot and be decorated for Christmas. He said that the entire week. Lots of tennis, pool shopping and ffriends. I spoke at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian church to the Stephen Ministry group. A great group of people with lots of great questions and concerns of those grieving.
I was able to talk to others outside the church concerning Matt's Last Call: Surving Our Protectors. On Thursday it poured all day 61 degrees! - shopping and packing!! Friday morning we headed for the airport.We had a fantastic easy trip home. Two days later 6 inches of snow followed by a windstorm! Where is that home I found in Palm Desert? I might need to put my name on it???

Christmas

As we are busy shopping for the perfect gift, baking, mailing out our Christmas cards, decorating our homes and wrapping gifts let's stop and think of the true meaning of holidays. Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It isn't about the presents around the tree but His presence in our lives.  Take some time to meditate and be thankful for the many gifts that God has blessed us with thoughout the year.