Another day, another blessing. So happy for the time to edit the book this morning. Intriguing the amount of “power” some may think they have over you. They insensitively opine about your … whatever. In a case recently, one made an incendiary comment about my book in the works without reading it; only a few paragraphs. But they could’ve done better. I appreciate that knowledge lol.

So happy to talk to others about my project, share my enthusiasm for ‘The Book of James” or my debut project, and receive positive feedback. One today was a fellow Buckeye, Sara. (O-H). Gonna be a good game. What up, Georgia? LOL Georgia has a tough team. Go get em cowboy. A few sentences from the book I am working on: “Grief is a lonely process. It feels like nobody understands. Only those who have walked this road will never forget their feelings or experiences. ‘Grieving is about  about how we feel on the inside due to what has happened in our life. If one is allowed to truly feel- to grieve, this will lead to mourning….mourning is grief gone public.’ (Biagioni)”

Crazy busy meticulously going through editing for the 25th time my 422-page manuscript, The Book of James: the Brain Injury, Life, and Legacy of James Clary, Jr. Some friends wonder why I am putting in so much time on the book. Well, with the brain injury myself, my slower thought processing and organizational skills, my errors or things I overlook or think could sound better, combined with my short-term memory (each day it’s like new; I read it and go ‘Wow’….small things impress myself lol), I must devote as much time and effort as possible. Have had a number of good meetings lately and promo events and presentations. One most recently in St. Petersburg, besides keeping my friends at Subway updated where I work/write every morning. Today I told them a bit about neurofatigue and social isolation (which I define in the book); things they hadn’t thought of. Things most probably do not consider. I have been discussing my writing projects lately with several people online. That, and the social media exposure we’ll get and can promote, is going to be huge. It’s sad some folks are inconsiderate and do not want to be bothered by my passion or learning about brain injury. One female’s insensitivity today insulted me. Threatened to report me. Are you kidding? Freedom of speech. I happen to be fairly astute. Slow but not stupid lol. Or maybe this “friend”, how I initially labeled her on this blog- as a “friend”- has a point and we cannot talk freely on our own personal blogs and websites. She said she was NOT my ‘friend.’ Alrighty then. Feel free to chime in. That right there is the purpose of the book I am writing. We want to enlighten people so they would not be insensitive, ignorant, apathetic, uninformed in regard to brain injury. Seems an attorney would know of the ADA. This website is my “business” and promotes my work. Not for personal gain….I do not write to profit; just to increase my and others’ knowledge base. Are we not entitled to that? Seems that to discriminate based on personal feelings would be prejudicial. What about freedom of speech? I hope I am not incorrect the way I am seeing it. I am attempting to get the book as good as possible before returning to Sacramento to see Jim and Debby and family; and the interviews; and meeting the filmmaker; and probably some more golf with Mr. Jim. One-armed man likes to school him on the golf course. lol

Countless hours working on the manuscript today, The Book of James. Sent Jim and Debby the 19th edition I’d had laying around last week. Currently on the 24th, getting ready for the 25th. What a Godsend times at least three. Pastor Troy from Arcadia and Miss Lucy from somewhere (I forget lol) offered to help me check the theological accuracy of my devotionals. Only Jesus could have sent these dear friends into my life. God is able. Genesis 22.14b, YHWH: ‘The Lord Shall Provide.’ Amen and amen. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Get it? It doesn’t matter if we believe it. Because God said it, that is what’s up; that settles it. Eager to go to Subway (my office lol) in the morning where I spend countless hours. Usually dressed in a collared shirt; it’s funny. I guess people think I’m the boss. Right, the boss of nothing. Anyway, the latest edition of the manuscript about 95,000 words. That is excluding the filmed interviews we’ll be doing with the family, James’ wife, and several in the community. And probably to golf more with Jim. He’s still impressed how One-handed man gives him a run for his money on the course. Pray for them. October was a rough month. James’ birthday, also the anniversary of his passing. Will end with Lucy’s favorite Scripture, Jeremiah 29.11: ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ So God knows what’s up, that’s His omniscience and omnipotence. He has an ultimate and perfect will for our lives. The burden is on us to follow Him daily and moment by moment. Isn’t that cool? God is watching and has a perfect plan for our lives. Trust Him. He will accomplish it. This entails our prayer life which is a subject for another day, actually in my devotional. He has the best life possible drawn up for us. Simply amazing. Thank You, Lord.

Returned from a long period of writing. So much done, The Book of James is beginning to look good (22nd edit). Happy to have Mr. Jim helping with some of the diction and verbiage. Also delighted to have found a gentleman this morning, Pastor Troy, who desires to look over my devotionals for theological accuracy. What a friend we have in Jesus. I’m loving it. McDonald’s is where we met.

A lot of work this morning on the book. Ready to begin typing the edits for the devotional next week. Anticipating my appointment with the doctor tomorrow. Heard about what to wear for the visit. Happy I don’t have to be NPO. A little nervous but actually a little excited. Gotta be ready. No pain, no gain.

The doctor is in. Evening hours this week. Excited she’ll see me with only a few day’s notice.

Talked to Miss Debby yesterday. Been so busy. Excited to see and hear about the progress.

Long day, been up working and editing since 4.30 a.m. Finally completed the last 150 pages by 2 pm after church this morning. Sent the manuscript to Staples to be printed. Also I formulated a single-spaced copy for Jim and Debby when I see them in a few weeks. Getting better each time. Been talking to a fine friend in Bucyrus, Ohio (who would’ve thunk?). Keeping her updated on my progress. Also at church today, several ladies had talked to me about helping their friends or relatives with a TBI. Small world. Opportunities everywhere. As I say in the book, every nine seconds a brain injury occurs. Be careful.

Becoming fast friends with a nurse in the area. The sky is the limit: we’ll see, said the blind man. She is the definition of empathy, not apathy. The Queen of compassion. It’s too bad we’re just meeting now….good in a way, after all the other stuff previously.