Things really do come in threes.
Danny passed in January
It was devastating. We pulled together as a family to support our daughter in law and grandson. In the process, we supported each other. We took our daughter in law and grandson to Hersey Park. It was a fun time. We had more fun fishing, rock hunting, and running around Casa Bonito.
My stepmom, Inez passed in May
This was different. I had a good relationship with her. Even more so after my dad passed. But she was frail and had dementia. Cleaning out the house was a fun stroll down memory lane with many of the pictures from my early years black and white. I sure looked a dufus, but with early onset of that twinkle in my eyes best known as “Hold my Beer!”
My publisher decided to close his business in July
I knew before Shadow Sanction published in August. It was going to be my last novel with Force Poseidon. I wish him well. He’s working on his second book. The event is not nearly as impactful as the first two losses, but it’s another change from the status quo. Luckily, I have embraced change since I can remember. I see it as a challenge, a time for growth.
On the personal side, Elle and I cruised to Central America and recently returned from a great work/vacation that started in San Diego, went through Napa to Lake Shasta, then back to San Francisco.
Elle has continued to teach cooking and I’ve completed Shadow Tier 3 (at the editor) and a Lance Bear Wolf origin story novella. I’m also querying a new series – working title – Code Name Snowman that you will hear more about in 2024.
We remain a strong family, okay - strange but strong. Much like the teams I was privileged to serve on in the Army, we are more than the sum of our parts. We choose to live life and love. There is no retreat, only forward.
To all that read this. I hope you had a Happy New Year and that 2024 holds great things for you.