I have a deep passion for reading and writing obituaries. My commitment to the art form even led me to start writing a guide a few years ago (based upon my research and experience), but I always seemed to put my career ahead of my passion. In 2003, things changed when my mother became ill to the point where she needed assistance. I put my career on hold and became her primary caregiver. Nothing prepared me for the emotional and financial challenges of care giving. I hit rock bottom, literally. But I would not hesitate to do it again, honor my mother. She passed away at home in May, 2005. My grandpa passed away about 30 days later (which compounded my hurt). Both deaths were great losses and life-changing.

I knew that I could not return to business as usual. I tried, though. I decided it was time for me to complete the guide and share my passion with others.

The biggest lesson I learned from my experience: This is it! This lifetime is not a dress rehearsal. Even if reincarnation is a fact of life and death, I will never return to this state of being. I weighed the regret I would feel for not living a purposeful life against the fears that had been dictating my life. I decided to push through my fears, so I can know what it means to fulfill my destiny.

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio, but I live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I work on my first novel, Be Glorified, in my free time.