Amy M. Schaefer
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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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To Protect & Serve

11/11/2016

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Picture
Float I Built for Veteran's Day Parade
"No harm will come to you...not on my watch." These words have come to represent for me all of those who would "lace 'em up" and defend to the death people, ideals, and that which is "right and just". The promise of those words is also something that whispers quietly through the halls of my soul, because I know what it feels like to be vulnerable, unable to defend myself, and desperate for someone, just one someone who would stand for me without hesitation, restrictions, or conditions. And perhaps all of us, to some degree, are familiar with the fear and pain of being helpless.

I learned the hard way that if I was going to be saved, I'd have to find the strength and courage to become the hero of my own story. Fortunately, I had a great group of people along the way who showed me how to tap into my inner warrior (...I mean, I didn't even imagine for a moment that she existed, but was extremely relieved to find her sitting in there waiting for me to call her up!). I've also learned that most people who are driven to "protect and serve" don't do so for accolades, or thanks, or even recognition. They go about the business of doing what is necessary in a quiet, methodical, steadfast way, usually in the shadows. And when they sleep at night, they carry the backlash of demon battles into their dreams.

We woke this morning to a President elect and in-coming Commander and Chief who represents the absolute opposite of the values surrounding service to country. It is my most fervent hope that those who do stand for others above self and do so with dignity and honor will teach their President a thing or two about how to be a human being of true value over merely being one who takes up space.

To all of the Veterans of this great Nation...thank you for your service.
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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