Since the preview of this biographical e-book is limited on Amazon, I offer this excerpt:
Christmas 1995, Willfully Dying Alone
Just die! Cancer, pancreatitis, the diseases rack my body; a pending divorce, all in the last few months – at twenty seven years old, my body, soul, and spirit waste away in this hospital bed at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. Family, doctors, nurses, no one can pull me back. Prayer... it is just not a thing that exists in me. I shut off the words and encouragement that come from anyone. I willfully cut myself off physically and emotionally from all the people who love me or are connected to me. That includes my two young children, a four-year old daughter, and a six-year old son. I am alone just like I planned to be. A dead mother for Christmas 1995, that’s what I am delivering on Santa’s behalf. At least everyone will be spared the horror of watching me die. My temples are sunken. My body stinks. My room stinks. Death hovers impatiently outside my window. My next step is to stop breathing. It was all but done.
I
hear people entering my room as my entire torso tightens in pain, crushing my abdomen,
working its way toward my throat. I feel
and hear my ribs creak. Against my
wishes, a doctor called my estranged husband.
The doctor urged him to bring my children to my bedside.
This is a very good e-book about family. It takes a totally different look at people saying they’ll do anything for their kids.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the opening paragraph, I hoped that she would come out of that mindset. When the second chapter opened and I saw how the grandfather was introduced, it became pretty clear that there was a wow factor coming, which I won’t spoil.
Her children’s reaction… it reminded me of when I was leaving for business and Mia didn’t want me to go. When she finally calmed down, my child with no filter said, Alright, but don’t die. Makes your heart flutter, your knees weak, and know that there is such a thing as that’s unconditional love - the way it ought to be.
Thanks Al. Good job in telling this woman's story.
Thanks Terra. I appreciate your comments.
DeleteSimple but powerful introduction to the character's mental state. It makes for a good read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucille I appreciate your comments.
Delete