Publisher's Synopsis
The body of work you are about to explore and enjoy was created by a man, who ten years ago, when asked a simple question, found communication limited to a verbal "yes, no or maybe." A brilliant and successful businessman, he suffered multiple "brain accidents" - or strokes - that left this burgeoning poet with aphasia (a condition that limits complex communication function in the brain). These rather remarkable poems are a testament to God's healing power and the miraculous way the brain can heal and remap itself when injured. The collection includes his personal thoughts and feelings, poems written for special events and extraordinary people, as well as reflective poems on everyday events. Please enjoy.
I started writing poetry as a senior in high school in 1967 and have written ever since. Different moods and situations require different words. I have tried to express these feelings, happy and sad, as they have become little nuggets of my entire life.
After college at Marshall University, I spent time in the Army as a helicopter pilot. After the war ended I ended up in Seattle Washington and went to graduate school. Later I became an Aerospace businessman starting my career at The Boeing Company in Seattle and ending my career at Lockheed Martin in Orlando Florida.
My formal career was cut short at 49 years of age when I had two major brain accidents (strokes). Although I lost some of my abilities for formal speaking and presentation, my creative side has blossomed and these poems and my music are a positive outcome of the event.
I am also a musician. I play the guitar, something I started when I was 11. Through the years I have been involved with several bands, but consistently I have played for my church every Saturday evening for the last 20 years, it is my gift and I enjoy giving it.
My wife Jody and I have made our home in Orlando Florida since 1981, where we have lived and raised our two children Karla and Frank.
I need to thank Tracy Burke for her artwork and editing. I would also like to thank Mike Murray for his editing and valuable suggestions. Finally I have to give BIG thanks my wife Jody for everything!
