 A Sick Child Helped me Realize Why I'm Thankful That I Like to Write
Dear Newsletter Buddies,
This year, Halloween brought our house more tricks than treats. After a CAT scan in the morning, my son was taken in for emergency surgery that afternoon. What should have been a 20 minute operation turned into 2 hours. Ok, my son is 28, but no matter how old they get they will always be your "baby." Recovery is long and slow so we spent most of the rest of the week "living" at the hospital. That's when it hit me how lucky I am to be a writer! Here's what I discovered:
1. Writing military family publications is such a cool part of my job and is totally transferrable to wherever I am. I didn't get to return to my office to pick up a computer before surgery, so all I had was a pen and notepad. When Bryan was sleeping, or out for tests, I could give attention to the paper and pen and get lots of work done. I had blog posts to write, website copy to create, and more chapters to write for the next project. If all my work had to be done in the office on a computer, I would have wasted a great deal of valuable time.
2. These years of writing have gifted me with stronger vocabulary and comprehension skills. I felt I was a better listener and understood more of how the medical staff described what was going on with Bryan. When one knows more words, it naturally expands understanding. It helped me not to feel "stupid" or uninformed during a higher level conversation. I didn't need to be "talked down to"...most of the time!
3. Writing relieves stress. A couple of times during the week, I walked out of the room and found an overstuffed chair by a fireplace in the family waiting area. I took my paper and pen and found myself journaling for a while. I didn't write anything huge and profound...I didn't need to...I just let go of some of the frustration and anxiety I was experiencing. When I returned to his room, I felt more relaxed and patient, which can be difficult for me!
4. I always had something great to read. When you write, you often exchange books with other writers. I value the many signed books I've received over the years and added to my collection. I'm never without something good to read. Since I would spend almost a week at the hospital, I grabbed a couple of those books to take with me. What a perfect opportunity to see what other authors were writing about and sharing with their audiences. A perfect example is the new book 1001 Things to Love about Military Life profiled below.
Bryan's out of the hospital now recovering at home. Even the bad times brought out a good chance to engulf myself in something I'm truly thankful for - writing. | 
Need a quick and simple last minute gift for a family that is involved in a deployment? My book I'm Already Home...Again is available for the Kindle at a very special price of $7.99 for download! It will soon be ready for the iPad and Nook so keep checking. Order from 
The new book by friends Tara Crooks and Star Henderson along with Holly Scherer and Kathie Hightower puts 1001 things about military life to be thankful for all in one place! It is an inspirational look into the lives of heroes who selflessly serve our country and the families who sacrifice so much to stand with them, 1001 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT MILITARY LIFE is full of heart-warming vignettes, laugh-out-loud lists, stories and quotes from military members and family members, and photos that speak a thousand positive affirmations. This book is a perfect illustration of the greatness of the military profession and lifestyle.