GTS

During the summer of 2019, I completed a class at Southern New Hampshire University.  The final project was a short story about any topic and in any genre.  I would be lying if I said the first draft of the story was not created the day it was due.  Unfortunately, the first draft is long gone but the final draft earned me an A! 

I am uncertain of the thought process that led me to the idea for the short story I created.  Like when I created “You Made Me A Superhero,” my brain began swirling ideas late at night.  I spent the next couple hours bawling my eyes out as the saddest words poured out on my computer.  

My best friend, Samantha Acuña has a chronic illness called Lupus.  It is an autoimmune disease in which her body is constantly attacking her healthy cells.  I do not want to claim to be an expert, so that will be as far as I go into the disease explanation. 

• Please Follow the Lubbock Lupus Group – LLG Facebook page, managed by Samantha, to learn more!  This is also a great page for support if you have not yet found a Lupus support community. Lubbock Lupus Group – LLG | Facebook

In February of 2015, Samantha experienced a Lupus flare up that led to her hospitalization and being induced into a coma that lasted nine days.  Almost exactly a year prior to her hospitalization, she experienced the loss of her, three-year-old, daughter in a tragic accident. 

The short story I created, currently titled GTS, followed Samantha as she found herself in “Heaven.”  She soon realizes she has the chance to see her daughter again.  Once reunited, her daughter explains to her that she has not passed away and is still on Earth in a coma.  She spends time with her daughter but eventually must make the choice to return to Earth where multiple family and friends await to see if she will awaken or stay in “Heaven” with her daughter. 

After writing this story, I sent it to Samantha.  I asked what her thoughts were on me turning the story into a novel.  She supported the idea and has been a part of the journey ever since.  I promised her one day she would be with me if we travel to share the book with the world. 

I have documented parts of the story in a special edition Disney Wisdom journal.  The quote on the front of the journal states, “Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.”  The quote was said to come from Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas.  I felt it was an appropriate quote as this adventure in writing this novel has not been easy. 

There are days when I have hours’ worth of content flowing from my hands.  Sometimes I will go months with no sign of inspiration anywhere.  There have been days I have questioned if I will ever hold this novel in my hand.  I fear daily that my best friend will be taken from this world before I complete the novel. 

Then I speak with my friend and know she is my reason to push forward.  Then I receive a birthday cake from my mom shaped like a book with my current title on it and I know I have people cheering me on.  Then I see my son with joy in his eyes and see my reason for following my dreams.

Writing this novel is the epitome of “Adventure Awaits.”  I have so much to look forward to and I cannot wait to share it with all future readers!