Hello blog friends,
Recently, a neighbor asked me why I write what I write, and the question evoked a great conversation. Like most, I write from what stirs deep within.
What are these passions that drive me to sit at my desk? To answer this question, I'll offer the backstory for each of my books. Today I'll begin with my most recent novel: The Soul Whisperer's Decision.
The story begins with a tragedy. A father loses his little children in a car accident that almost kills his wife as well. The young man is a veteran, and he's pulled back into his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress.
Why would I choose to have a suffering veteran in my story?
For a decade I worked with Marines and soldiers from all branches of the service, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The proximity of the military bases brought many new vets to the college where I was an administrator.
I soon discovered that most of those who were boots-on-the-ground, suffered from Post Traumatic Stress - in addition to physical injuries. At that time, the college had no place for these new veterans to congregate to process their experiences. It was assumed that they would simply adjust.
Because of the distress I saw in these students, I transformed my large office complex into a Veterans' Center. I used a small room at the back for my work and another for my assistant. The larger space quickly filled with veterans - some of whom are in the photo above.
Keep in mind that overnight, these vets went from war to a classroom. And not just any classroom. The area in which the college is situated has a very large Middle Eastern population. As one struggling Marine said to me, "A few days ago I was fighting them, and now I'm sitting next to them."
Working with these veterans was the highlight of my career. I have deep respect for each of them. But knowing that 20 or more veterans commit suicide every day, saddens me profoundly.
In The Soul Whisper's Decision, two veterans walk the El Camino de Santiago with the intention of healing their past. Where did I get that idea? One of my friends, an Army veteran now retired from the San Diego Sheriff's Department, has walked the Camino multiple times. This friend is in his late 70's, but he doesn't let age deter him. One day, I asked him why he makes this journey. He explained, "I feel at peace when I walk the Camino. My mind is finally at rest."
My passion? I'd like to end all wars. Since that is highly improbable, I reach out where I can. Through my stories, I try to illuminate the commitment we make to our young men and women who fight on our behalf. We each have an important healing role.
Below are a few YouTube videos that may be of interest. If you've the time, I think you'll appreciate the stories. And, if you have a personal experience you'd like to share, I'd love to read about it in the comments. 💚
Recently, a neighbor asked me why I write what I write, and the question evoked a great conversation. Like most, I write from what stirs deep within.
What are these passions that drive me to sit at my desk? To answer this question, I'll offer the backstory for each of my books. Today I'll begin with my most recent novel: The Soul Whisperer's Decision.
The story begins with a tragedy. A father loses his little children in a car accident that almost kills his wife as well. The young man is a veteran, and he's pulled back into his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress.
Why would I choose to have a suffering veteran in my story?
For a decade I worked with Marines and soldiers from all branches of the service, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The proximity of the military bases brought many new vets to the college where I was an administrator.
I soon discovered that most of those who were boots-on-the-ground, suffered from Post Traumatic Stress - in addition to physical injuries. At that time, the college had no place for these new veterans to congregate to process their experiences. It was assumed that they would simply adjust.
Because of the distress I saw in these students, I transformed my large office complex into a Veterans' Center. I used a small room at the back for my work and another for my assistant. The larger space quickly filled with veterans - some of whom are in the photo above.
Keep in mind that overnight, these vets went from war to a classroom. And not just any classroom. The area in which the college is situated has a very large Middle Eastern population. As one struggling Marine said to me, "A few days ago I was fighting them, and now I'm sitting next to them."
Working with these veterans was the highlight of my career. I have deep respect for each of them. But knowing that 20 or more veterans commit suicide every day, saddens me profoundly.
In The Soul Whisper's Decision, two veterans walk the El Camino de Santiago with the intention of healing their past. Where did I get that idea? One of my friends, an Army veteran now retired from the San Diego Sheriff's Department, has walked the Camino multiple times. This friend is in his late 70's, but he doesn't let age deter him. One day, I asked him why he makes this journey. He explained, "I feel at peace when I walk the Camino. My mind is finally at rest."
My passion? I'd like to end all wars. Since that is highly improbable, I reach out where I can. Through my stories, I try to illuminate the commitment we make to our young men and women who fight on our behalf. We each have an important healing role.
Below are a few YouTube videos that may be of interest. If you've the time, I think you'll appreciate the stories. And, if you have a personal experience you'd like to share, I'd love to read about it in the comments. 💚
These two clips are focused on PTSD:
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