Reflections

By Debra Irene

Life is full of choiceschoices that determine our path. Sometimes we know when we are at a defining moment, a crossroad, and the choice we make will change or set our course. Much of our life, however, is simply staying the course through the good times and the not-so-good times. If we take time to reflect, we grow to appreciate the individuals who influenced our life when we needed to change and the ones who were there when we were simply living out our life. In the midst of these times, did we notice a higher power at work as well?

So grab a cup of coffee or a glass of tea; sit by the fire, on a park bench, or in your favorite chair; and reflect with the storyteller as she introduces you to family, friends, and faith. She will draw you into these true tales throughout her journey marked with laughter and tears.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781449715403

Debra Irene

Debra Irene has lived and been employed by corporations in the metropolitan Kansas City area since 1979. She enjoys music, ballroom dancing for pleasure and exercise, and baseball (specifically her Kansas City Royals). She has a passion for storytelling and writing – real-life adventures and everyday life. To her, life is a story waiting to be told. Debra’s first book, Reflections, is a series of vignettes reflecting on people in her life. Her stories have appeared in Farm & Ranch Living, Country, and The Missouri Golf Post. Helen’s Heritage is her second published book. www.DebraIrene.com

Book preview

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1

Debra

2

Sisters

3

Nick

4

Coach Southern

5

Sonja

6

Mammy

7

Daddy

8

Anthony

9

Grandpa

10

Alex

11

Dr. Brewer and Dr. Brewer

12

Pete

13

Cheryl and Jan

14

The Thief

15

Mother

16

Max

17

Tim

Credits

Preface

The concept for this book was birthed at a time when life was very difficult for me. At this stage in life, I should have been entering a season of ease—those midlife years in the last trimester of a career, where perhaps the biggest challenge is adjusting to living as an empty nester. Instead, heartache, divorce, financial disaster, regrets, and thoughts of missed opportunities engulfed me. Had my life to this point been a waste? I knew better, and penning these chapters brought me to that understanding—a journey of personal healing as I reflected on relationships. These relationships and memories associated with them are a golden treasure. Some have been with me my entire lifetime, while some lived for only a fleeting moment in time. They should not be discounted as less important. I realized that all played a role and helped etch out the course of my life. If I could turn back the hands of time, would I change anything? Most certainly, but in the midst of my disappointments, as I strolled down memory lane, I also came to realize that my life really was worth the journey.

And so, I wrote this book to encourage myself and to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to the ones who helped etch my course. If by chance, however, you happen to receive hope, encouragement, inspiration, or a moment of laughter from turning the pages of my reflections, perhaps I have played a role in etching your course. Then I can truly say it was time well spent.

Acknowledgments

Reflections has been in my heart for many years but seemed nothing more than a dream that would never come to pass. Then, in less than a year’s time, the dream was resurrected and became a real project—better known as my book project. This project turned into a race over the last three months as I approached a deadline for entering the manuscript in a contest. Many personal obstacles and distractions appeared insurmountable. The project seemed to be an impossible feat, especially since I was working two jobs. I came close to losing heart many times. Each time I felt like giving up, someone came alongside me to fan the flame and to help me continue in the race.

•   First of all, the Lord is my strength and shield. Without Him I am nothing and can do nothing.

•   My precious mother was ever present to listen to me read each chapter individually as I completed each one. She blessed me with her undivided attention. According to her, each one was beautiful. Thank God for mothers! Most importantly, she sustained me in prayer.

•   Tim, my best friend, read each chapter and offered constructive criticism along with praise.

•   My sisters, Vickie, Kathy, and Karin, orchestrated a mini-editing party during our family Christmas gathering and applauded my every step. If I started listing their contributions to the success of this book, I would most certainly omit something.

•   My brothers-in-law, Terry and Tom, provided constant support. Terry has been my big brother for forty years, and Tom has insisted from the onset of this project that he be the person to purchase my very first book.

•   Brenda was instrumental in bringing this dream full circle. She helped me stay focused and would not let me quit. She also edited many of the chapters; her suggestions brought more depth to my writing.

•   The 48Days.net family offered specific advice on technical matters and helped propel my dream into reality.

•   I am grateful that Holly listened to that inner voice one dismal day when the flame had died down to smoldering ashes. Thanks to her intuition, sensitivity, and encouragement, the fire was rekindled.

•   Mary, a longtime friend, listened to my dreams and stories over lunch and celebrated with me each step of the way.

•   Another long-term friend, Cathy, listened and offered practical advice during our chats.

•   Debbie, a business associate and friend, motivated me through tears of discouragement with cards and uplifting words.

•   And finally, Glenda taught me about synchronicity and