The first part will not be news to anyone who loved my dad and followed the events that lead to the saddest of all sadness. But the last part, I hope, will be happy, welcome news of interest and joy to anyone who loved him as much as we do.

Oceans of love and happiness to you all.

Xo

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The last 12 months have undoubtedly been some of the most challenging for me.

On November 26th 2013 my dad was in a car accident. He survived and fought like the champion that he is. But 1 month and 17 days later he passed away, paralyzed from the neck down, due to complications from a broken neck. His humour, strength and calm never left him throughout a time that was devoid of excess hilarity, assuredness and comfort. Pieces of our hearts splintered and shattered on every single one of those difficult days. But we stayed together and we stayed strong. That time was the most difficult and cementing for our family. Never doubt that love can grow stronger, because it always does when you need it the most. I know this as an unequivocal truth.

The life glitches continued to add up even after we said our final goodbye and tried to pick up the pieces of our new and suddenly so different lives.

Over the following months the sudden losses of more close family and friends, scheduling of another open-heart surgery and most recently having the rug of stability pulled from under me in losing my job, has slammed me over and over with the realization that the ‘right’ time is nowhere else but right now.

 

I am a writer and writers should write books.

I am officially using the gripping power of guilt, in the knowledge that sharing something publicly can envelop you in.
I am starting off with a nibble in preparation for the bigger life bites.

A complete, published, illustrated children’s book about the adventures of Jim Craig, will be available for Christmas this year.

Stay tuned for details of the when, why and how.

Holy shyte I said it.
Now to make it real.

 

*Breathes deeply into paper bag*