4/7/2011
It’s been awhile since my last blog with lot’s of things going on in my life and with my loved one, Joan and our lovely Michelle. Fortunately we are all feeling better now and Joan and I are doing pretty well considering how long we’ve been around. Whatever is going on with us is sure as hell eclipsed by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, with thousands of people dead and thousands more living without permanent shelter, with contaminated food and in deep grief for their losses.
I can’t believe we are now involved in three wars now. Besides the useless toll on the people who are in war’s path, our brave soldiers will be coming home having been immersed in the death and destruction of war for more tours than they bargained for. Things have improved in the care of our Veterans, since I last worked in a VA hospital, but I still hear and feel the undercurrent of Veterans needing to prove they are disabled – especially those with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. There are people who are always suspicious and wanting to be sure no one gets something for nothing. Just being in a war zone is traumatic. Our Veterans deserve as good care as we can give them without having to jump through hoops to get it. It’s true that “It’s Never Over When It’s Over” and denying or putting up obstacles for care is not only unfair and an indecent way to treat our young men and women of the military, it ain’t going to make a dent in relieving our national debt . Stopping wars, closing corporate tax loop holes, and having the one percent of the super rich pay their full share of taxes will.
I’m tempted to go on about educating our kids and health care but it’s enough for this go around. All of you take good care of yourselves.
On October 2, 2010, all of us at the Colorado COPD Connection, celebrated the life of and honored Thomas L. Petty MD. We had a full house at the Moving Mountains Conference to hear presentations on this chronic illness and to remember the man who we all consider, “The Father of Portable Oxygen.” Of course, Louise Nett, his long time collaborator was there to share in the celebration. If you have or know of people with COPD, I would highly recommend Tom’s book, “Adventures of an Oxy-Phile 2″. Check out our website. copdconnectco.org
Well I received reviews from people who have received copies of “It’s Never Over When It’s Over”. So far they’ve been generally positive with some interesting comments and reactions. One came from a former Navy pilot who said he couldn’t put the book down, but it was more of experience for him, rather than what he would call a read. From what he said it sounded like he had similar experiences.
There were two telephone calls from someone who rarely reads fiction. The first when he was at page 135 when he said he had been really moved. Tears – laughter – sadness. He called later that day to say he finished the novel and he couldn’t remember the last time he read through a book he couldn’t put down. Among other things he said, “You tell one hell of a story” He really made my day.
Another reader said she appreciated the way it was written but the story was very disturbing. She had been through the horrors of WW2 and was married to a Vietnam Vet who still suffers from the trauma of war. She said that this was not a book for her. I was very upset for opening old wounds. It is never over.
9/10/2010 It’s Never Over When It’s Over is actually out there for sale. I was going to say it’s like giving birth but everyone says that. Thanks to all who helped me in writing this story.
3/26/2010 I just finished my second novel. We are proofing and editing it for publication in a month or two. It’s about a first year psych resident who suffers from post war trauma, how he lives, survives and comes to terms with himself. I feel like I just gave birth to a new offspring.
