It's been a minute. . . 

My last post was almost 4 years ago, but that doesn't mean I haven't been writing. Writing is always there. . .always a part of my life in some shape or form. 

Since my last post on this blog, during the pandemic I started another blog to help keep my OT colleagues motivated and relevant. I have written a memoir that I shared with close family and friends and I have managed a Caring Bridge page for Shawn that turned into a blog about his stroke recovery journey; all while working full time and using creativity in my work as a rehab manager and then divisional rehab manager to create educational content for our clinical staff.

So I have never stopped writing. 

A few months ago a new book started to take shape. This one was going to be part two of my memoir as promised to those who read part one. But it started to turn into something else. Something that has been brewing in the background for awhile. 

You see, after Shawn's stroke a new passion started to awaken. A passion for advocacy for patient rights and how to navigate the world of health care for those who might not know how things are supposed to go. Over and over I hear about stories of patients, especially stroke patients, who have gotten lost in the system. Those who might not have the right insurance, the right family support or the right background to get the care they deserve and the care they need. Our healthcare system is complex and patients are easily overlooked and underestimated if they don't have a strong voice to back them up. 

My novel, Words started to take shape based on this passion. Shawn lost his ability to speak for awhile, but he had me to be his voice. And I am continuing to be that voice and fight for his rights but also ready to speak for others. I want this novel to be a launching pad for a platform for stroke awareness and advocacy. 

But needing some validation that my ideas were good, I sent a few pages out to a few agents, just to get a feel for the current marketability. I actually got a very personal and thoughtful response back from one agent. She loved the idea. She loved the pages. But selling it without having a national following already would be difficult. She had one now that she was trying to sell that was similar in topic and voice and it wasn't going well. She suggested reaching out to indies to get it out there. 

At least I know she thought it was good. That was all I needed to keep the process moving forward. In the meantime I know I need to build the following. Build the platform first, then market the novel. I have the experience, the knowledge, the resources. I talked it over with Shawn since it's his experience that has started to get this ball moving. He has been always been private and I have always been careful what pictures and videos of him I share. I let him read the letter from the agent. HE was excited too. Once I explained my vision to him, he said "Do it. Go for it." He gave me his blessing to share his story. 

I started an Instagram page titled Shawn's Stroke Recovery where I will share videos and photos from the last 2 years that mostly haven't been shared before. I will share resources on stroke awareness including symptoms, risk factors, recovery expectations and clinical trials (stay tuned for more info on a clinical trial that is on the horizon for Shawn). I encourage others to share and get the word out. Maybe something will start to stick. 

I will also continue to update this blog, to bring it back to life and create posts related to stroke awareness and advocacy. I have several other ideas to get my ideas and platform in front of a few more audiences. Stay tuned, please follow and share. Let's get the Words out. 

In the meantime, catch up with Shawn's story on his Caring Bridge Page, follow the new Instagram page and for those who are curious, check out my OT blog mOTivate2go to follow more of my writing.