Brian's House

I have to post this story, because it's very near and dear to my heart!  This is the story of Brian's House.
Brian's House is (or was until September 4,2012) a Hospice home for the terminally ill.  The place was founded by Jo Ann and Ken Straub at the dying wish of their son Brian.  Brian's wish was that the terminally ill would have a place of comfort to go when the time of death was near.  In 1996, Ken and Jo Ann Straub, along with the help of volunteers, opened and successfully ran Brian's House.  My parents personally knew the couple that opened this wonderful place. 

In 2009, my father spent his last days at Brian's House.  Brian's House provided a hospitable atmosphere, where a person could die in comfort and peace, while keeping their dignity.  Brian's House was also a supportive place where family members could remain by their loved ones side until the last moment and even beyond.  Every room at Brian's House was decorated in a different, homelike theme.  There was no 'hospital feel' to it at all.  Anyone who knows the story behind this place is sure to share in the grief in its closing.  Brian's house is/was a peaceful, loving 'home' run by a compassionate staff. 

I'll never forget my Dad's last meal at Brian's House. Although the backyard grill had already been packed away for the winter, when my father requested steak... the chef at Brian's House went above and beyond as he pulled the grill out of storage and fired it up. Dad got his steak the night before he went to Heaven!

Now there is talk that because of an outpouring of community support, Brian's House may reopen!   
If you follow this link... http://www.change.org/petitions#search/brians house (and type Brians House into the 'browse petitions' spot) you can sign the petition and help keep a wonderful service going!  

New Artist

Work is slowly continuing on the second book.  Things were delayed a little because my original artist didn't have time to dedicate to my illustrations. (completely understandable)  I'm a bit sad about it, because I was very pleased with the work she did on 'Willow Crossing', but at the same time I'm excited to be working with a new artist.  I have my fingers crossed that 'Quest for the Glow' will have a cover soon and can be released for the kindle.  Once that is completed, we will be working on chapter illustrations for the paperback.  In the meantime, the third book 'Nameless Nickels' is well under way. 

Just a quick update...

I'm sorry I haven't posted lately, but I am happy to report that book three 'Nameless Nickels' is well under way.  I'm plugging away at 12,000 words, and I still have a lot of story to write, but the story is coming together.