Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Bad news AND good news


Some of you know our family experienced a tragedy three weeks ago. I was unable to update my readers because of the investigation.

My stepdaughter Michele has a dynamic personality and is forever joking and laughing. She is  a friend to many, the best mom and grandma ever. She received critical and life threatening traumatic brain injuries when a shoplifter struck her with a car.

We have been at the hospital daily and simply lost track of time. Our lives were on hold as we sat at Michele's bedside praying and weeping. God answers prayers. Thank you to those who prayed. Please continue.

Michele was air lifted to Craig Rehabilitation Center in Colorado yesterday, where she will receive intensive treatment. They specialize in brain and spinal injuries and have served four police officers in our town who suffered critical injuries in the past.

P.M. me if you have further questions.

This is a clip from our local TV station. https://bit.ly/2OS2IIZ




Now, for some good news. I presented two workshops at The Ozark Creative Writer's Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas last weekend. One on inspirational writing, and the other on humor writing. My classes were well received and well attended. I met so many nice people. Pictured here is Bonnie K. Tesh from Joplin, MO Writer's Guild. Claudia Mundell, my late friend, and possibly yours, was the president of the Joplin guild. Linda Lowe Apple is president of Ozark Creative Writers.

Imagine my delight when my friend Becky and I took the trolley into town. We were waiting at the trolley stop. A young couple arrived to wait with us. I asked where they were from, as Eureka Springs is a resort town.The young man said, "Joplin." I asked if he knew Claudia Mundell. He replied, "Oh my gosh, she was my English teacher."

Deep in my heart, I felt a connection to Claudia, as if she were among her friends again.

13 comments:

Pat Wahler said...

Continuing to lift Michele in prayer as she recovers from this terrible injury.

Sorry I missed your presentation at OCW. Maybe I'll get there next year!

Susan said...

Hello dear Linda....Have been praying for Michele daily. Hope she will continue with her recovery. God bless that woman and all your family. Is there a special hospital in Colorado? Why there? You are all in my heart and prayers during these difficult days.

Sandi said...

Thank you for the update, Linda. I'll be praying.

How funny to run into your friend's former student. It is a small world!

Val said...

I've been thinking about Michele, and wondering about her progress. Thanks for the update. As for meeting Claudia's former student, no coincidences. You were both at the right place at the right time.

Terri Elders said...

So good to get the update, Linda. Eureka Springs is my favorite place in Arkansas...I went a couple of times to the jazz festival there when I lived in Little Rock in the late '90s.

So good to hear that Michele will get specialized care now. I'd been reluctant to pester you for news after the horrible event.

Kim Lehnhoff said...

Linda,
Sending hopeful thoughts and lots of healing energy to Michele.

I think I need to attend a writing conference - maybe next year!

Anonymous said...

Linda--I've seen the report on Michele several times. She looks like her dad--the same twinkle in her eyes. The place in Colorado looks amazing. She is going to get Cadillac care...

It was kismet, you running into those people who knew Claudia.

I'm glad your workshop sessions went well, but it's no surprise. You're an amazing writer, an incredible editor and an inspiring speaker.

Merlesworld said...

Sad to hear about Michele hope all goes well
Merle..........

Dianna Graveman said...

Wow, what a blessed coincidence. Glad you had a good time! I'm sure your workshops were spectacular.

Dianna Graveman said...

Oh, and I forgot to say, also, that is good news that Michele continues to improve. Continued prayers, my friend.

Trisha Faye said...

I can't imagine the feelings that you all are facing with Michele's horrific accident. Thinking of you and your family from afar.

On the good news part of the post - thanks for sharing an update. I love hearing about synchronicity at play. When you'd posted about being a speaker a while back, I checked out the conference. My dad is about 45 minutes away from Eureka Springs. I couldn't make it this year, already having 2 trips scheduled in September (one to Fayetteville LOL) I'm going to try to set things up so maybe I can make it next October. It looks like a fantastic conference!

Connie said...

Linda, I have been thinking of you and your family and praying for Michele. I hope where she is now in Colorado will be able to help her heal. I'm glad to hear the conference went well for you.

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