The First Returns

Now that the book is available, a stir is beginning. I am hearing from family, friends, and all wishing me well. I forgot about this fringe benefit. I am the type who burrows through a project, focusing on the task at hand and often will not contact people I adore for long periods of time. I do this, have done it for years, and probably will keep on doing it because I am a task oriented guy.

The first reviews are interesting. My friend Mike got angry because he didn't recall an argument we had towards the end of the book. I explained to him, it was probably the most life changing event I've ever gone through if you continue reading. In all actuallity he was skimming through the end of the book and noticed his name written down.

Yes, I probably will trigger a lot of people who were depicted in the book. A tell all book tends to do that. However these were events 30 years ago! I for one am not the same person I was back then. Life experience tends to change you. I even cringe about the ways I handled things way back when.

I talked to my mother about this a few days ago. I tended to show her in a not too favorable light. She was taking the high road - as she normally does. "It was a long time ago, a lot of learning has taken place after this period, and currently we have a great relationship." Right on mom!

Again the toughest part of focusing over and over again on this time period was having to remember the same old issues continually through the rewriting process. Try writing a book, no stone is turned over. I feel exposed, and those who still matter to me to this day are also exposed if you know their first names.

So I guess ridicule comes with the territory. My mother and now Mike are happy with me once again. Both can find their centers rather quickly - thank God. But this was a story I was compelled to write, took the effort to do so, and now I am just waiting for how people I do not know receive this tale.

Peace to all.