Amy M. Schaefer
  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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A Celebration of Life

8/4/2015

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Picture
Newborn Me, August 1969
Picture
Hubby Holding Our First Daughter, 1992.
Picture
Colin Michael, Our First Grandchild Due August 2015
Text Message Exchange from 4 August 2015: (*all permissions obtained to share*)

Hubby: Relax today. Did you do your blog yet?
Me: I just took a shower. Going to give myself a facial and paint my toenails. Not yet on the blog. Got an idea for me?
Hubby: Birth. Yours and your grandson.
Me: *cries* ...that's a wonderful idea.
Hubby: No crying today. A beautiful day like you.
Me: Happy tears. And those are always allowed.
Hubby: They taste sweeter too.


Some people are not fond of birthdays. For a myriad of reasons they are put off in regards to being reminded that they're getting "old". To me, though, they are such a celebration of life! It's not easy being a human. I'm damn glad I made it to forty-six and frankly that amazing feat should be accompanied by cake! All morning friends and family scattered around the world have taken a moment out of THEIR day to wish me a happy birthday on MY day. It makes me feel inside as if I'm being tickled by a thousand happy little effervescent bubbles.

The baby in the first photo above is me when my slate was "clean" and my story hadn't really gotten started. I'd love to be able to go back in time and whisper in her ear, "Don't be scared now little one. It won't be easy what's up ahead but it's worth it. I promise." Not that little me would remember any of that. The second photo is of my oldest daughter shortly after she was born (...also in August). While pregnant with her and her sister, my husband frequently whispered secrets to them that he never shared with any of us (...and probably doesn't even remember now). I picked up his habit, as my daughter is now expecting a child of her own (...due, you guessed it, in AUGUST). Whenever my daughter comes to visit me, I lean down and whisper secrets to the son she's carrying. He won't remember his Nana talking to him while he's still growing in her tummy but I'll know. And when he comes into this world, I'll be here to encourage him as he grows to be a man. He already has his own Tribe of people in his corner who'll be there to help guide his steps. Those who've helped guide mine are priceless!

The song below captures exactly how I feel today..."It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life for me...and I'm feeling good."
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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery