BIO
Pictured are Dakota (my son the Hufflepuff, who inspired the series), Jess (my daughter the Slytherin, who pushed for me to write more than just The Sentinel), and Stephanne (the Gryffindor) acting like the goofballs we are before my wedding. This image, courtesy of Elizabeth Burns Photography, was taken just over two months before I lost my Dakota.
Writing is something I've always enjoyed but nothing I ever considered doing professionally. Then life threw me a major (terrible!) curve when my son, Dakota, died at the age of 27. I spent so many months lost in the darkness of despair. When someone loses a child, they search for things to feel like they've retained a connection. For me, it started with planting a forest... and that was great, but it was localized. I wanted - more than anything - to get his name out there and let the world know "HE LIVED AND HE MATTERS".
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That is how A Troubled World started - simply writing for myself as means to retain a connection with Dakota. I had no idea, when I started writing, that it would take root and gather a following like it has! Jess was the reason I even submitted it to a publisher. I honestly had only written it to feel a connection to Dakota.
If there is one lesson I've learned from all of this (and from life) it's that you can't ever plan for the unexpected... but do your best to deal with it when it hits. No matter what, always tell the people who matter how much they matter and treat them with love, kindness, and respect. There is no way of knowing how much time we have left with anyone... never be left wishing about what you should have done or said.
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Best,
Stephanne
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To Whom I Owe Much:
I'd feel really bad if I didn't say I'm the proud mother of two children, Dakota and Jessica; the proud wife of an incredible husband named Michael; and the doting daughter to my beloved parents, Michael and Patricia. No, dear brother, I didn't forget your side of the family (Matt, Tiff, and Roo). And another special shout-out to my best friend and WildlifeForYou podcast partner, Daryl. I owe you all more than I can ever say... You kept me HERE when I lost one of the two things most precious to me and, for that, I will forever be indebted to you.