In A Year

In a year of journeying on this road to publishing and launching my first book, I have been blessed with many gifts. I have come to better understand the beauty which lies within than that of my outside reflection. I have come to realize the importance of speaking the words which lie in my heart. For these terms of endearment, bear the truth of knowledge and understanding.

In a year, I have grown to become a more enlightened human being. I have lived and I have learned. And I believe, I have been granted a second opportunity to make right some of my past misdeeds and erase some of my deepest regrets.

In the book entitled; “365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life,” John Kralik (author) relates his inspiring story of how an old-fashioned act of writing thank you notes led him out of his despair and into the re-awakening of his life. Mr. Kralik tells the tale of how he learned to be grateful for simple acts of kindness and gifts received at the hand of others. He explained how his gratitude turned into joy and soon he found his overly complex life had turned into a wonderful life filled with love, laughter and enlightenment.

In the reading of Mr. Kralik’s book, I too was reminded that the simple things in life are indeed the best. And as I grow older, I sense the need to relish in the simplicity which life offers on a moment to moment basis.

I have also been prompted about the importance of legacy. It now seems I want every year to count even more than the previous one. And in my mind, I find it is important to leave remnants of my existence. Not just in the form of photographic memories, cards and letters, or other tangible items, but a meaningful gift for others to hold dear. Not only for the benefit of recalling, but for that of reflecting as well.

In contemplating this need, I became aware that my books and writings were just that. They were not only gifts of healing for myself and others, they were also a leaving a piece of myself behind. My written words became a compilation of my thoughts, feelings and actions all neatly tied up into the books authored. There inside the pages penned would be my patrimony to share. A look into feelings once held locked inside my heart, my mind and my soul.

So in one year, I have seen a dream come to pass. This dream was accomplished through the collective efforts of a group of creative and caring human beings. It came to life as the result of hard work, dedication and a relentless pursuit to fulfill my hearts desire.

In my story of an angelic encounter on 9/11; “In The Shadow Of A Badge: A Spiritual Memoir”, I feel I have done just that. Along with the remembrance of 40 heroic human beings who rose to the occasion and aided humanity, is the knowledge of a divine occurrence which graced my life and set into motion the direction of my future plans. The story became my driving force to heal and become healthy enough to share and give testimony to the events I had witnessed. The many trials and tribulations of life and of publishing became opportunities to gain an enhanced outlook on life and uncover the depths of my spiritual beliefs.

During the book launch, my family and close friends gathered to celebrate a turning point in my life. As I looked around the room at the many faces of those I cared for, I was reminded of the importance of giving love and receiving it in an unconditional manner. And there in each face, I saw the purest meaning of that love. 

As I traveled to the numerous book signings, I had the privilege of meeting some amazing individuals and working alongside of them as well. I became acutely aware of how many people believed in God and His angels. Many of whom took the time to chat and share their own stories about angelic encounters which they too had witnessed. When they spoke of these divine interventions, their eyes grew iridescent as they related the chance meeting with their celestial guides and protectors.

During a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial, I stood once again on the sacred ground created on 9/11. As I strolled along the pathway, my mind immediately became transfixed on the large stone placed over the resting site of the crashed plane. And I remembered the names of the heroic passengers and crew members now etched into the white marble walls cascading across the grounds. In that moment of recognition, the tears which were held inside for so long began to flow. And as my past meet the present, my heart heaved and the emotions felt seemed to release in a quiet whisper of angelic voices once again heard across that distant field.

On a trip to New England, I enjoyed the pleasure of staying at the River Road Farm located in the picturesque Village of Manchester, Vermont.  While there, I became acquainted with the owner and the other lovely women who had gathered for a spiritual retreat. In speaking with these women, I became more aware of their ability to instantaneously understand the internal power of their soul. And I was moved, in watching the “aha” moments of those who awoke to their spiritual purpose and were moved by the wonder of it all.

As the story of my book grew and the media queries began, I had the chance to join in and chat on radio interviews across the air waves. And on occasion when the audience joined in on these chats, I was able to participate and learn from others who spoke of their faith and their beliefs. I was touched by the personal accounts strangers were willing to share.

So, after spending this past year endeavoring to bring my story to life, I have become better informed as a result of my travels. Foremost, I believe and declare my life is indeed blessed by God. And it has been enriched, by the many who have crossed my path.

In the writing and publishing of my first book, I have once again found my path. A path I walk to achieve my spiritual purpose and accomplish my human dreams. In these 12 months, I have traveled and experienced new wonders of the world. I have gathered among strangers who have become instant friends. I have celebrated among friends and watched them as they expanded their lives as well. I have dwelled in a house of darkness for all too long and finally the light had found its place and cleared the shadows around me. The shadows which had hindered the lumen from flowing to me and through me. In one year, much has come to pass and my once obscured journey has become illuminated in its intent.

In a year, some doors have opened and some doors have closed. Some of those doors were shut in a gentle manner and others were abruptly slammed with no reason. Yet in the closing of each door, came the realization that another would soon open. And that unlatched door, often lead to the next step on my path of discovery and my desire to leave behind the books written to express the impressions of my heart.