A whirlwind couple of weeks....

I've been trying to get around to writing this post for the last couple of days but time has simply just run away with me. But anyway, I'm here now and I hope you can stick around. It's be a crazy few weeks, filled with much sadness and much happiness....

Some of you may already know but the last couple of months have been really tough for my family and I as my step dad, Gerry was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of March 2013. Untreatable, inoperable and aggressive were some of the words the doctor said. Sadly, he passed away at age 55 on the 27th April with his family around him. All I can say is, cancer is a BITCH. A real, nasty bitch. 

The Macmillan nurses were fantastic and we have set up a Macmillan cancer support tribute fund for Gerry. They work so hard and offer so much support to both the patient and the family. Here's the link for Gerry's tribute fund if you'd like to check it out at all. Thankfully we have a wonderful, supportive and loving family around us and we will get through this, slowly. I'd love to share a poem that we had at the funeral service this week, as it's just beautiful and deserves to be shared. I'm not a religious person, but I think the words are just perfect. 

Don't Grieve For Me For Now I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

On a happier note....I recently submitted my finished story, Revenge in Rio to a few different publishers. I was offered contracts with Evernight, Breathless Press and Beachwalk Press. I'm still so thrilled that editors took the time to read my work and over the moon that they wanted it! 

After a tough decision, I decided to go with the wonderful Beachwalk Press, signed on the dotted line and already it feels like home. It's early days but watch this space for promo and cover reveals in the future! We're looking at a release around October 2013! EEEEK! 

So, after a couple of weeks full of extreme ups and downs, I can't say we are out of it but we are learning to ride it. Time's a healer and all that, right?

For now, I can leave you with my Pinterest board for Revenge in Rio. Enjoy!

'Til next time! 

Sam :-)

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