Dear Momma by Alex Gotay

Dear Momma by Alex Gotay

Dear Momma: “Views” from a Wayward Child, Convert, Ex-Jarhead, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt to a Son of Mary

Alex Gotay

How do Mary and Hip Hop connect?  Keep reading…Mary has many dense theological points that sometimes miss points of prayer for the average teen who is familiar with pop culture and hip hop. Dear Momma bridges those gaps and joins those worlds.  This text allows the reader to hear how hip hop connects to Our Lady in a language that is relatable, while laughing and learning about Her!

Paperback: $12.99 | Kindle $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Could there ever be a hip-hop theologian? Could there ever be a writer who could talk about Mary, the Mother of God, with humor? Get this book and see! Me, an old professor and writer of some 75 books, never expected to read anything like this!  I love it. You will, too.” – Ronda Chervin, Ph.D., professor emerita of philosophy at Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Catholic writer and media speaker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Gotay, “Dr. G,” is a husband, father, convert, and has been in professional Youth Ministry many years. He is a national teen and young adult speaker. He holds a D.Min. from the Graduate Theological Foundation, MA’s in both Theology, from the University of St. Thomas, and Philosophy, from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, graduate hours in Counseling and OT Biblical Theology, and a BA in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston (Downtown).

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

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Bumping the Dock: A Story of God’s Grace and an 18-Wheeler

Bumping the Dock: A Story of God’s Grace and an 18-Wheeler

Contact Annette via bumpingthedock@gmail.com

Bumping the Dock: A Story of God’s Grace and an 18-Wheeler

Annette Wilcox

I am an unlikely person to be a long-haul trucker. People comment that I look more like a librarian or an English teacher than a trucker. And I have been both. Trucking is physically a little too hard for me. Perhaps for this reason, my life as a trucker has been one of radical dependence on God. The truck runs, after all, by grace, and I’m on the road only as long as God wants me to be. I have truly experienced that God’s mercies are new every morning and are inexhaustible. He always helps! That’s what this story is about.

Paperback: $16.95 | Kindle $9.99

INTERVIEWS

REVIEWS

She Drives Trucks Staff, “‘Bumping the Dock’: A woman driver’s perspective of OTR,” Trucker News. (October 20, 2020). Click here to read the review.

“Long Paul Haul” Marhoefer, “Faces of the Road: Annette Wilcox, a fresh perspective on life OTR,” Overdrive. (October 19, 2020). Click here to read the review. 

TESTIMONIALS

“Having read the book twice has given me a new perspective I would otherwise never have had. I would say that this book is a MUST READ for new folks looking to drive a truck who have no previous experience with trucks or drivers. It has given me insight into how a ‘newbie’ sees things and will arm me with the tools I need to be a better mentor and advisor. Thank you, thank you to Annette for writing this. The book is informative and takes you down the road with her in a way that is engaging and educational.” –Idella M. Hansen, 50-year trucker, 2017 Citizen Driver Honoree, Real Women in Trucking, Founding Board Member

Bumping the Dock will first surprise you — because it’s much more than a book about trucking — then delight you. Part travelogue, part diary, this book is also a revelation of Annette’s making the best out of a lousy hand. Readers are drawn smoothly and effortlessly into the world of learning to drive a ‘big rig’ by the author’s making them feel as if they’re sitting down with an old friend to catch up over a cup of coffee, only to find that in the end they really do admire her spunk and stamina and good judgment all the more.” — Dcn. Chris Sandner, assistant to Bishop Barron

“In Bumping the Dock, a Story of God’s Grace and an 18-Wheeler, Annette Wilcox details the many difficulties of learning to safely operate the largest vehicle on the highway while demonstrating her courage, tenacity and relentless faith. Her tale is one of overcoming challenges while refusing to bend her character or sacrifice her spirituality to succeed in a male-dominated industry that isn’t always welcoming to women or Christians. Best of all, she sets a lofty example by her reliance on her Savior for day-to-day accomplishments, regardless of her own considerable abilities.” – Cliff Abbott, 35-year industry veteran, Special Correspondent to The Trucker newspaper and author of Chronicles of an American Trucker: Which Way is the Road to Happiness?

Bumping the Dock is a fascinating, amusing, and deeply personal account of how this highly educated woman ended up behind the wheel of a semi. She brings her insights to the job of the over-the-road trucker, relating her experiences in a world that is all around us but about which most of us know too little. This book brings you along as she learns new skills, visits new places, overcomes challenges both personal and professional, and grows as a person. If you’ve always wondered what a trucker’s life was like, ride beside Annette Wilcox in Bumping the Dock. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.” — Roger Thomas, Author of, among others, The Last Ugly Person, The Accidental Marriage, and From Afar.

“Annette Wilcox gives Jack Kerouac a run for his money in this story of how God’s grace works in the cab of an 18-wheeler on American highways and byways.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of the forthcoming The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

Bumping the Dock, about a middle-aged woman becoming a semi-truck driver, is a rollicking book to read. Why would someone like me who took 4 driving tests before passing in a small car even enjoy such an account?  Because, as well as being a humorous story, it is also a Christian parable about courage in life-style shifts and an insightful look at relationships between women and men, in this case our heroine and a male truck-driving trainer.  With every chapter I felt more courage to think outside the box on my own personal decisions – that with God many impossible things could be possible!” — Dr. Ronda Chervin, contributor and co-author with Sebastian Mahfood of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annette F. Wilcox, MA, is a mother of four and grandmother of five. She has been a translator, librarian, ESL instructor and has taught school in three countries, the last being as a lay missionary with the Holy Spirit Fathers in Moshi, Tanzania, East Africa. A family friend once remarked that he admired the way she kept “recycling” herself. The most recent recycle is twelve years in the trucking world where she has driven 1.1 million miles in a semi, hauling heavy loads of all sorts of things on the roads of all forty-eight contiguous United States and six of the provinces of Canada.

Annette may be reached for webinars and book store signings at bumpingthedock@gmail.com

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

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Tony’s 50,000 Coincidence Miracles, Book 2

Tony’s 50,000 Coincidence Miracles, Book 2

Just Page Down for our book in English,  or Click on the links below for Translated Versions.

And if you just want to order the book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble, you can page down to the bottom of this web page (to item number 10) to order your book. 

FREE ITEMS … Page down to see many FREE offerings! NOTE: Listening to item #04-3-b (about the interview with Wayne Norman), and then listening to item #09 … (and then also reading items #07 and #08) — are all highly recommended.

And you ABSOLUTELY DON’T WANT TO MISS item number #13 on our list below (for your FREE audio of our New Weekly Radio show, by episode) and (for your FREE copy of our entire-first-book in the AUDIO version, by episode). These FREE audios are INSTANTANEOUSLY “life-changing!”

Book #2 … (entitled: “Tony’s 50,000 Co-incidence Miracles – Book 2”); has been released and is now available at all normal book outlets. Book #2’s cover displays a “Red-Sunset” (forecasting Good Weather) and it shares another 100 true miracle stories. Both books are great “life-changing gift items”.

Tony’s 50,000 Co-Incidence Miracles – Books 1 & 2

Increase the print size by pinching out on your mobile device or pressing CTRL and the + sign. Blessings!

TABLE OF CONTENTS (page down to find the (Item #) you wish to find):

  • Item 01……DISCOUNTS: How to earn (discounts) on purchases of 10 or more books.
  • Item 02…….INTRODUCTION: Click on the audio box below for a brief FREE audio introduction.
  • Item 03……INVITE THE AUTHOR TO LECTURE: (at your: Family, Club, Church, or School events).
  • Item 04……RADIO INTERVIEWS: Listen to FREE audios about the book’s mission & goal.
  • Item 05……READER REACTIONS: Read or listen to FREE reader reactions and testimonies.
  • Item 06……AUTHOR BIO: See Bio of author’s background, career, and mission for God.
  • Item 07……WELCOME LETTER: See author’s Welcome Letter (with mission statement).
  • Item 08……GOD’S APPROVAL: See evidence of Jesus and Mary’s approvals of this book.
  • Item 09……TALK WITH GOD: FREE audio/video. (How to talk to God face-to-face, as a friend, daily).
  • Item 10……LINKS TO ORDER BOOKS: Easy and convenient links to use for ordering books.
  • Item 11……PICTURES OF BOTH BOOK COVERS: The front covers of each book are shown at the top of this web page.  The Back covers of each book are shown at the end of this web page (at item # 11 below).
  • Item 12……MEMORIZE THE 10-COMMANDMENTS (in just 10-minutes). WHY?  Because they are not God’s requests, they are God’s “Commandments.”  Just page down to item #12 at the bottom of this web page and click on the LINK (then, you can print it out and spread The Good News)!
  • Item 13 …… FREE AUDIOS … of our first book #1, and also FREE AUDIOS .. of our new weekly Radio Show; which shares new miracles coming up every day in our city and our state. Our radio show is something like the CBS Sunday Night Series called “God Friended Me”.
  • Item 14 …… To see ALL Tony’s BOOKS + FREE items, CLICK HERE
  • Item 15 …… Translate our book (and get a royalty per print-book sold), CLICK HERE
  • Item 16 … CLICK HERE: For A “FREE” TWO-PAGE SUMMARY of “AMAZING EVIDENCE & PROOFS OF GOD” which Tony has “EXPERIENCED” during 50 years of daily miracles and conversations with Jesus! CLICK HERE–> Two Pages (Says it all)!

Item 01: Discounts when purchasing 10 books or more:  After you read this book, you will be convinced that God really wrote it. Then, you will want everyone to read it — in order to gain the same PERSONAL GROWTH which you gained from reading it. You can purchase these books at very special discounts and then, you can sell them on your own – or gift them to friends.    Phone or email us. Phone: …. Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, at 314-706-1009. Email: …. contactus@enroutebooksandmedia.com 

Click here for bulk orders.

Item 02 . . . INTRODUCTION: Click on the audio box below for a brief audio introduction. PAGE DOWN TO SEE FREE-AUDIOS … and … FREE-VIDEOS … and … MORE INFO ABOUT THIS GREAT BOOK …. such as … THIS 18-MINUTE INTRODUCTION! Listen to “Introduction to Tony Coscia’s Book entitled Tony’s 50,000 Co-Incidence Miracles” on Spreaker.

Item 03 . . . INVITE THE AUTHOR TO LECTURE: (at your: Family,
Club, Church, or School event).
Your attendees can be having face-to-face CONVERSATIONS with Jesus the very next day! Just Email: TonyAnd777@aol.com , or phone in USA … (203) 217-8889.

Item 04 … RADIO INTERVIEWS: Listen to audios about the book’s mission & goal.

1. 5-minute audio on highlights of the book – read by the author
2. 1-minute summary radio ad on WCBS radio.
3. Live Radio interview of the author:

a. Listen now as Tony is interviewed by Cynthia Toolin-Wilson on the Author-to-Author show (June 6, 2020)

Listen to “Tony Coscia is interviewed by Cynthia Toolin-Wilson on the Author-to-Author show (June 6, 2020)” on Spreaker. b. Listen now as Tony is interviewed by Bill Ayles on the “Treasures in Heaven” show (August 7, 2019) Listen to “Tony Coscia is interviewed by Bill Ayles on the “Treasures in Heaven” show (August 7, 2019)” on Spreaker.

c. Listen now as Tony is interviewed by Joe Avalos on WCAT Radio’s “Cry Oneness.” 60-minutes 01/24/2018

Listen to “Tony Coscia is interviewed by Joe Avalos on WCAT Radio’s “Cry Oneness.” 60-minutes (January 24, 2018)” on Spreaker.

d. Listen now as Tony is interviewed by Wayne Norman on WILI 1400 AM. 37 minutes 12/14/2017

Listen to “Wayne Norman Interviews Tony Coscia about his book Tony’s 50,000 Co-Incidence Miracles” on Spreaker.

e. Listen now as Tony is interviewed by Bob Olson on the “I Thought You’d Like to Know” show (October 24, 2016) Listen to “Tony Coscia is interviewed by Bob Olson on the “I Thought You’d Like to Know” show (October 24, 2016)” on Spreaker.
f. Listen and watch Tony explain the three DISTINCT PHASES of having face-to-face conversations with GOD (as our very best friend).
 
g. Click on the following Miraculous Marble Slab story to see and to read about how this miraculous marble slab (has existed inside of a Catholic Church for well over 200 years).

 

See an article on this phenomenon at A Miracle? Do You See the Blessed Virgin and Joseph in This Marble? – EpicPew


 

Item 05 … READER REACTIONS: Read or listen to reader reactions and testimonies.

    a. Read … Sophia Press .. a major Catholic Publisher.
See what EpicPew (a division of Sophia Press, a major publisher of Catholic books) has to say in a two-page synopsis-testimonial of Tony’s book … by clicking this BLUE LINK! and also this BLUE LINK!
    b. Read … Many reader reviews below.

Tony’s 50,000 Co-incidence Miracles is a sweet and uplifting read. I highly recommend it.” …SM

“I read the first 4 chapters non-stop and I can’t wait to get back to read chapter 5.”   … FMM

“You absolutely have to get this book out to as many people as possible, without delay!” … FBM

“It is amazing!  I wish I knew about this process and these true stories years ago. I am already enjoying the process.”AFC

“It seemed so simple and you explained the process so very well. I started noticing the Miracle-Clues you mentioned on the very next day.” … JAC

“Wow!  Really a great read. It was very impactful and convincing!  I could not put it down once I began.” … EJC

“It was an experience! I never realized that we could live that way and see those things. I now realize that I have been missing many of my daily miracles. Thank you!” … SAM

“One of the most interesting, informative, exciting, and learning books that I’ve ever read covering earthly subjects and spanning into the Heavenly realms. Also use it as a study guide to become closer to God and can have immediate effect understanding the Love of God..The words become touching to the extent of just having to stop and ponder at times > on the life of the Tony-Godly sincerity speaks..And his OUT OF THIS WORLD communications with GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT..Yet, making even the unlearned individual to grow closer to GOD..WOA!! A true testimony in the Faith World of believers..A light that shines from the text. Listen for the voice of Jesus speak personally to you while reading..a most read.” – Reginald Aiken

    c. Read … Amazon.com readers posted opinions on the “Amazon Website
 
    d. Listen … Famous People:
 
        1. Kevin Vost, author of Memorize the Mass!  — 1-minute.

        2. J.B. Smith – Retired Sheriff of Smith County, Texas, and author of The Unholy Ghost Murder   — 1-minute.


Item 06 … AUTHOR BIO: See Bio of author’s background, career, and mission for God.
 
Author Bio (50 years as a FRIEND OF CHRIST).

After 50-years of being blessed by Jesus in many miraculous ways, Tony has been inspired by Jesus to write a book to document some of the daily miracles he has been blessed to notice. Tony understands that God’s reason for writing a book now, after all these years, is so that someone in the future may benefit from seeing how loving and how friendly God is to those who seek Him each day.

Tony was married to his wonderful wife Julie (his high school sweetheart) for 53-years. His beloved Julie has passed on into eternity now, but Tony still feels her loving presence in his life each day. They gave birth to 3 wonderful children (Lisa, Eric, and Tanya). And, at last count, they have had 5-grandchildren, and 2-great-grandchildren.

Tony grew up in a very loving and supportive family and he attended Catholic Grammar schools. He attended evening classes at college for 11-years while also working as an accountant full-time each day, in order to obtain his college degrees.

Tony spent 35 years working in the accounting and finance areas with companies like: Clairol Hair coloring, International Silver, Johnson and Johnson, Remington Electric Shavers, and Timex Watches – and also moving on to become the president of four other companies as well. Tony explains that Jesus tutored him each day on what to do as a company president in these four companies, with amazing success. Because of God’s daily tutoring-miracles; Tony was able to turn around many negative and un-profitable business activities and to help these companies to succeed.

For the past 15-years, Tony has managed a business consulting and business coaching firm which helps senior management to utilize the techniques which Tony has learned from God in his professional business career over the past 50-years.

Tony has attended well over 40-annual spiritual-retreat-weekends on a wide variety of Spiritual Teachings. For well over 40 years now; Tony has also taught CCD-Sunday-School and has also been an active lay evangelist. As an evangelist; he has been issuing weekly inspirational letters since 1980. These weekly letters do report on both; weekly inspirations from Jesus … and weekly miracles as well. You can email With777With@aol.com, to be added to this FREE weekly letter. He has also appeared on radio and television as an evangelist.

Tony is often heard saying: “All of my peace and joy and happiness come from the moments when I am participating with Jesus in doing God’s Will.” Tony also says that; “Jesus wants to co-exist with each person every day (as a close friend); we were created by God because He decided that He really wanted us to be His Friends.”


Item 07 … WELCOME LETTER: See author’s Welcome Letter (with mission statement).

Click here for the Author’s Welcome Letter.


Item 08 … GOD’S APPROVAL: See clear evidence of Jesus and Mary’s approvals of this book.

Proof of Jesus and Mary’s approval of this book (exhibit-H)

Our Lady of Medjugorje’s message on 08-02- 2017 did confirm the inspired mission of this book. You can click on the following BLUE link because Our Lady’s Medjugorje message is included as Exhibit H


Item 09 … TALK WITH GOD: Free audio/video. (Talk to God face-to-face, as a friend, daily).
 
A “FREE” AND POWERFUL LECTURE (on how to speak with God face-to-face, daily). Just Click on the appropriate ARROWS BELOW — to view (or to just listen to) parts #1 or #2 or #3.  Each part runs for about 20-minutes each so that you can listen to the lecture, with breaks every 20-minutes.

Watch the author explaining: “Listening To, and Having Conversations With God”: 

Part 1: 

Part 2: 

Part 3: 

Item 10 … LINKS TO ORDER BOOKS: Easy and convenient blue links to use for ordering books. 

Book # 1:

a. from Amazon.com

b. from Barnes and Noble

Book # 2:

a. from Amazon.com

b. from Barnes and Noble

c.  from the publisher (BULK ORDERS).  This link is for retailer uses only.  Individual Consumers must still use (items 10 a. OR 10 b. above instead).

Item 11 … Photos of the book covers.

Item 12 … Memorize the 10-Commandments in 10-minutes. Just click on the following LINK: (MemoryAid-10Cs)

Item 13… Get your FREE AUDIOS of (book #1) … and also … (our New Weekly Radio Show). Our radio show is something like the CBS TV Series called “God Friended Me”. Just click on the following LINK: https://wcatradio.com/miracles/

Item 14 …… To see ALL Tony’s BOOKS + FREE items, CLICK HERE

Item 15 …… Translate our book (and get a royalty per print-book sold), CLICK HERE

Item 16 … CLICK HERE: For A “FREE” TWO-PAGE SUMMARY of “AMAZING EVIDENCE & PROOFS OF GOD” which Tony has “EXPERIENCED” during 50 years of daily miracles and conversations with Jesus! CLICK HERE–> Two Pages (Says it all)!

OTHER CATHOLIC BIOGRAPHIES AND MEMOIRS

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Ice Fog, Spirit Fire and the Narrow Gate, authored by Albert E. Hughes

Ice Fog, Spirit Fire and the Narrow Gate, authored by Albert E. Hughes

Ice Fog, Spirit Fire and the Narrow Gate: A Journey to Constant Joy

by Albert E. Hughes

When and how is each person’s psychological profile established? Al Hughes takes that question to task in an autobiography that begins with one of his earliest memories, four years old and sitting in a sandbox, facing several next door backyards, above which was a constant flow of ascending bombers launching into World War II. From a kindergartner in New Mexico in the Southern United States to the Paradise Commander on the island of Antigua in the Eastern Caribbean, Al Hughes gives us a witty and insightful understanding of a life oriented toward discovering the meaning of holiness and the path through the narrow gate.

Paperback: $14.95 Kindle: $9.99

Testimonials

“Al Hughes is not only a master spiritual director, but also a master story teller. Ice Fog, Spirit Fire and the Narrow Gate is a riveting journey through the mundanities of this world into a life in union with God.” – Sebastian Mahfood, OP, long-time member of the Antigua Historical Society

“A terrific story you’ll love!” – Ronda Chervin, co-author with Al Hughes of Simple Holiness and Escaping Anxiety

 

About the Author

Lt. Colonel Hughes (USAF retired) holds an M.S. (with distinction) in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, an M.P.M. in Pastoral Ministry from Seattle University (Jesuit) and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. He taught adults for 25 years as a Catholic catechist and retreat master and has published half a dozen books in the area of spiritual discovery along the road to holiness. He continues to be active as a master spiritual director.

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Servant of God, Gwen Coniker: God Leads, Faith and Trust Follow by Nancy Martin

Servant of God, Gwen Coniker: God Leads, Faith and Trust Follow by Nancy Martin

Special congratulations to Nancy for her being awarded an honorable mention for first time Catholic author and third place in Marriage and Family Living in the 2020 Catholic Book Awards.

Servant of God, Gwen Coniker: God Leads, Faith and Trust Follow

by Nancy E. Martin

Gwen Coniker, Servant of God, ordinary wife and mother of thirteen, teaches others how to live these dual vocations to a heroic degree. In a contemporary turbulent modern world, which has lost the real meaning of faithful marriage and the dignity of every human life, Gwen, along with her husband, Jerry, co-founded the Apostolate for Family Consecration. It was a vision which was conceived in Fatima and lived out in the United States. Gwen was challenged with her own moral dilemmas. How she dealt with these and lived her life left an impression on anyone who interacted with her.

Paperback $19.95 | $9.99 Kindle
Patchwork Heart Radio interviews Nancy Martin

Winds of Change

TESTIMONIALS

“The life and apostolate of the Servant of God, Gwen Coniker, has been well-documented by Nancy E. Martin in this book. The author presents Gwen Coniker as remarkable for her love of her husband, her motherly Christian education of her 12 children, her devotion to the apostolate of promoting families and her undoubted Christian impression on any one who interacted with her. In my yearly working visits to the Apostolate for Family Consecration over a period of 20 years, the impression never left me that Gwen Coniker was an extraordinary Catholic mother. The Second Vatican Council underlined the fact of the call of every one to holiness, which is the perfection of charity: love of God and love of neighbour (cf Lumen Gentium, 40). For both Church and society, it is a grace that mothers of families who practised Christian virtues to an heroic degree be raised to the honour of the altar. I have no doubt that this book will help to promote the Beatification Cause of Gwen Coniker and will encourage Christian mothers. I warmly recommend it.” – Francis Cardinal Arinze

“In the book Servant of God, Gwen Coniker: GOD LEADS, Faith & Trust Follow, the life of Servant of God Gwen Cecilia Coniker is unveiled so that we see that she was an ordinary woman who performed extraordinary deeds. Fittingly, Gwen set her priorities to be faith, love and family. One of the great fruits of Gwen and Jerry’s marriage as co-founders of the Apostolate for Family Consecration is how they became a family for other families; a vision conceived in Fatima and lived out in the United States. In the era of New Evangelization, the apostolate provides an additional resource for personal and communal renewal.” – Most Reverend Jeffrey M. Monforton, Bishop of Steubenville, OH

“The list of prelates who have signed off and have given their approval for their [Gwen and Jerry Coniker] apostolate is incredible.  It is truly a blessed and holy list of names that have sanctioned the work that they have done both with the Apostolate for family Consecration and for Catholic Familyland.”  Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis, Catholic Bioethicist WCAT Radio

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Martin is a wife and mother of five who has a passion for the Catholic Faith. She has developed and led many varied ministerial efforts and has taught classes on Consecration to Our Lady via the St. Louis de Montfort charism both online and in the classroom.

She holds an M.A. Theology, Summa cum Laude, with concentrations in Dogmatics, Morality, and Bioethics from Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, CT.  She has earned certifications in Lay Ministry, Advanced Biblical Studies, Bioethics, and Online Teaching. She has also published articles in the Social Justice Review.

OTHER CATHOLIC BIOGRAPHY AND MEMOIR BOOKS

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Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss, authored by M. J. Flood

Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss, authored by M. J. Flood

Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss

by M. J. Flood

Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss is the first published work by M.J. Flood. Recalling the author’s experience as the father of a stillborn daughter, this memoir articulates the private heartbreak and depression so frequently associated with disenfranchised griefs like pregnancy loss.  But Where Are You? is ultimately a work of hope, as M.J. Flood walks the reader through the chaos of death in search of the peace of healing.
Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

Articles

Interviews

TESTIMONIALS

“Author M.J. Flood has written an interesting, poignant, and enthralling story. I found I kept wanting to know more with questions and scenarios engendered by his descriptive and moving narratives. He examines and shares how many persons impacted his life with their concerns. Through his own reflections and analysis of them, Mr. Flood takes us to our own heart-mind, along with how [he] and his wife give of their time to others to help them with their loss-of-life situation. This author’s writing is profoundly endearing and a tender ‘must read’ for a myriad of reasons including understanding of the human condition with its strengths and frailties. The mindfulness of the author’s story is one that will remain with me forever.” — Reverend Dr. Marjorie S. Schiering, Professor, Molloy College


“M.J. Flood’s journey to acceptance and self-discovery following the still-born birth of his daughter Sophia is neither direct nor complete, as he himself states. But it is life-affirming. His path takes him and us through anger, shock, loneliness, searing pain, and darkness, but ultimately to a gift he traces to Sophia— love, an openness to others’ pain, a movement outside of himself to give to others also struggling.” — Robert Kinpoitner, Ph.D., English Dept. Chair, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, NY


Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss by M.J. Flood is an honest and heartfelt account of a man’s journey through the grieving process after a heartbreaking loss.  It describes the gamut of emotions and the depth of loneliness one may experience and the need to get out of one’s own way in order to heal. I would recommend the memoir to anyone suffering loss.” — Virginia C. Honerkamp, RN MSN, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care


“M.J. Flood’s memoir Where Are You? is a ‘must read’ for all involved in bereavement ministry. For several reasons: First, it is a brutally honest examination of emotions, written in a heart-wrenching, soul-searching style. Second, it treats of a grief that is usually avoided, the loss of a still-born baby. Nobody wants to address this grief, but it is very real as Mr. Flood so poignantly shares with us. Third, it is written from the male perspective, which is rare in the bereavement field. Men seldom admit to their emotions, let alone share them! Thank you, Mr. Flood, for being the brave one who is willing to do so. Of special note is Mr. Flood’s use of the term ‘Loss Stew’: emotions and feelings that are swirling around in grief. I don’t know whether Mr. Flood ‘coined’ this term; in any event it should become part of the vocabulary of bereavement ministry. It was especially encouraging to hear of the healing that began for Mr. Flood and his wife Tara in their Bereavement Group. ‘Like-to-like’ sharing is essential, particularly with the loss of a baby. Thank you, M.J. Flood, for sowing the seeds of your ongoing journey towards healing. I am certain that God will use those seeds to bring healing to many others.” — Deacon Robert Campbell, OFS, St. Raymond’s Bereavement Ministry, East Rockaway, NY


“A first person account of this kind is so important because infant loss is such a devastating thing that it’s only been in recent years that people have begun to speak about it. I believe so many people are still grieving silently because we haven’t made their trauma and healing part of our ‘normal’ conversation—something I think we’re getting better at but haven’t fully opened up the communication. A book like this could do just that.” — Elizabeth O’Grady, LCSW, San Francisco, CA


“Beautifully written, poignant, heartfelt, and ultimately spiritually uplifting, M.J. Flood’s Where Are You? is an emotionally charged story about loss and the power of finding—and keeping—our faith through the darkest of nights.” — Gary Jansen, author of the national bestseller Station to Station.


“A wonderful book to help parents and family dealing with stillbirth! A resource for bereavement ministry!” — Ronda Chervin, Ph.D., author of Weeping with Jesus: From Grief to Hope and numerous other books of Catholic spirituality.


“M.J. Flood’s Where Are You? immediately transported me into a world where I was gently prodded to experience the grief, anger, guilt and confusion associated with loss. While we are programmed to accept the loss of a grandparent or parent, the death of a child or a youthful sibling leaves us, and those around us, at a loss. How do we justify this? How do we maintain our faith in g-d, ourselves, and the natural order of things. Time and our place in the world fall into question as we struggle to right ourselves. Mr. Flood’s book addresses these issues through a very personal and intimate lens. As such, it is a gift to its readers. As a psychotherapist who often deals with bereavement and grief I am happy to say that this book taught me much that I can, and will, integrate into my practice. When it is published, I hope to add this to my library and recommend it to my clients. I am proud to endorse this book for publication.” — Robert Margolis, LCSW, longislandpsychotherapy.com, Psychotherapy and Family Counseling Services


“A very thoughtful, compassionate, and accurate portrayal of the journey through grief and bereavement. Highly recommended reading for those looking to come out and rebound from loss.” — Christopher L. Hayes, Ph.D., Professor of Gerontology, Long Island University


“M.J. Flood’s book Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss is a compelling read. Mr. Flood shares with the reader a journey exploring grief and bereavement through a stream of consciousness style of recollection and discovery that most readers will find very real and honest. The loss of a child is sad and almost unbearable, but Mr. Flood’s emotional story gives hope and courage to those that experience this most crippling loss.” Peter V. Dugan Nassau County Poet Laureate (2017-2019)


“M.J. Flood explores his personal experience with a disenfranchised form of grief: loss of stillborn infant. A very compelling and moving account of healing from such a devastating loss.” — Luciano Sabatini, Ph.D., Bereavement Coordinator St. Bernard Parish, author of Bereavement Counseling in the School Setting.


Where Are You? is a powerful and emotional journey. I felt like I was listening in on Mr. Flood’s thoughts as he tries and succeeds to make sense of the loss of his daughter and other losses in his life, and ultimately finds himself.” — Ivy Diamond, LCSW, Perinatal Bereavement Social Worker


“As a member of a parish bereavement ministry, I am thankful for the opportunity to have read this memoir. This book is a voice especially to those who have experienced the loss of a stillbirth. We rarely have an opportunity to hear the feelings and emotions from the father’s perspective. I think he said it so eloquently when he recounted the sympathies given to his wife and people overlooking his share in the grief. I think he is brave and I hope his book is helping him through his grief. My prayer is that he knows how many people he is helping (especially other Dads). Mr. Flood’s story is impactful. I am thankful he had the courage to write it.” — Karen Gonyon BS, RN, CHPN


Where Are You? will shine in our support group library! Placed in the hands of newly bereaved parents, especially fathers — this heart-rending memoir will bring solace and healing hope. Mr. Flood’s genuine expression voices the uncharted map that is grief. He reveals the raw wound that he and Tara suffered in the death of baby Sophia and shares the journey as they slowly rebuild from utter darkness toward healing scars that forever shape their family’s life. He risks being vulnerable and misunderstood while validating the reality of loss in life, enveloped in faith and ultimately the grace of healing.” — Martha Weiss Guardian Angel Perinatal Support Group St. Kilian Parish Farmingdale, NY


“Flood’s narrative strikes a balance between an intensely personal confession that brings the reader along through his hardships and a perspective able to synthesize and analyze each event in the larger context. In this way, Where Are You? elevates individual experiences to universal understandings.” — Kenneth R. Frank, filmmaker, The Mix and Family Obligations


“M.J. Flood offers us the gift of opening himself up, revealing his vulnerabilities as he embraces losing born still Sophia, while finding himself in the process. He shares how Sophia has become an inspiration and offers the reader/griever insight as to how to lead a productive life in the aftermath of such tragedy. Over the years, as he discovers where he is, Flood learns to love himself by accepting his pain and thoughts as real; and by helping us understand that “our losses are each others’ comfort.” Where Are You? is a double, triple and even larger entendre during this tender and humble process. His writing is poignant, humble, loving and honest.” — Nancy Berlow, LCSW, www.LongIslandPregnancyandInfantLoss.com


“Author M.J. Flood transports his readers on a true spiritual journey. It is not often that an author can reach inside the reader and touch the heart and soul as Flood does. You’ll cherish this book!” — Alexander J. Basile, author, educator and musician


“A young father’s pain and hope echoes through the pages of his story, Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss. What a gift for grieving dads to hear first-hand from another grieving father, how he deals with the stillbirth of his first-born child. In ‘men’s terms,’ M.J. Flood describes the new world that surrounds him, the heartache endured, the haunting, unanswered questions, the everyday struggles, the endless choices to be made, and the eye-opening lessons learned, especially in a world that always inquires how the mother is doing, but rarely asks about the dad. Flood’s vibrant, inviting writing style (which I like to call ‘man talk’) grabs your attention right away, even brings some welcome smiles, as you ‘walk the walk’ with him, hear his message, and begin to understand how other losses in his life (brother and grandmother) have affected this one which he reverently calls, ‘My Greatest Loss.’ Sharing this book with heartbroken moms and other family members, too, offers a valuable bonus, opening the door for them to respect different ways of grieving, coping and surviving.” — Elaine E. Stillwell, M.A, M.S., Chapter Leader, The Compassionate Friends of Rockville Centre, NY,Former Bereavement Coordinator, Diocese of Rockville Centre, Author, The Death of a Child: Reflections for Grieving Parents, Contributing Editor, Grief Digest


“[Flood] is very open, and as a result the work is very moving. He’s definitely a fresh voice.” — Tim Houlihan, Ph.D., Interim President St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York


“[Flood] writes very movingly about the death of Sophia.” — Tom Hauser (author & publisher)


“I wish this book was available 36 years ago. Last October marked 36 years since I miscarried my first child. I don’t think we ever grieved; it just wasn’t acceptable. Flood’s book gives permission to be a parent to the child in the womb who is called to be an angel.” — Marija Wierzbicki (former Clergy Personnel Director for Diocese of Brooklyn, New York)


“A roller coaster ride of emotion – to the highs of expecting, to the lowest of lows of loss. Care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, sadness, devastation, despair, healing or dealing, and obviously an ever-present sense of love – all of it there in words, actions and reflection. The, at-times, jarring story-telling creates this cacophony of words and phrases that invites and perhaps forces the reader to feel his raw, real emotion – there is no doubt that I felt anger, anxiety and agitation. Conversely, through the disorientation of the emotional experience, there was a great presence of family, love and that one is never alone no matter what it feels like, what it looks like BUT you need to be willing to see it, feel it and welcome it. This work captures a journey that many unfortunately have taken before – but it also walks the reader through a process where a broken-heart through faith, family and love can ultimately lead to hoping, healing and helping others. Through that Sophia’s presence and love is forever present, forever shared.” —Thomas F. Flood, Vice President for Advancement, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York


“This is a truly touching story (or collection of stories) of love, loss, grief and healing told in an engaging and relatable voice. As a reader I can relate to the language, colorful at times, but always thoughtful and in some cases perfectly phrased. As examples: ‘Thinking is the petri dish for every guilt created, every shame felt, every slight (imagined or real) delivered. And from that same dish comes every spontaneously generated saving grace. Every hope realized. Oh, it’s a mess at times, for sure’ and ‘In the end, that’s what bereavement groups do. What people like Ivy Diamond do. They widen the lens through which we can consider our loss. Some people give a narrow lens. Drugs and alcohol can be a lens. Some people think they’re giving you the lens: the only way to see. Ivy didn’t give me the lens, but a lens. Perhaps a lens that simply helped me to know that there are lenses at all with which we can view tragedy in a better way.’ I think this is a wonderful gift to provide to those who are grieving in any context really, but would also make a welcome addition to any therapeutic environment. I would surely recommend to clients I have who might be struggling with loss.” — Jennifer Lancaster, Ph.D. (Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean, licensed clinical psychologist)


“What a beautiful tribute. What an inspiration for anyone grieving. The author’s reflections and thoughts and feelings were truly profound. The work can be such a help not only to grieving parents but to many who have suffered loss.” — Rita Chojnacki RNCHPN, Certified grief counselor


“This is a deeply emotional and personal account of the loss of a child. A story that gives the reader an understanding of the ongoing, emotional toll of grief. It is a valuable resource for the bereaved or for those healing from loss. I found this sentence in [the] speech for Martha Weiss’s GAPS at St. Kilian’s in Farmingdale extremely comforting: ‘But the life I live doesn’t have to be governed by loss.’” — Maria Mullaly, Executive Assistant to the Dean, The Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York


“At times, a painful read for one personally acquainted with this caliber of loss and grief. But reading this book was like having a profound discussion with a friend that you remember for the rest of your life. Mr. Flood’s sharing and insights were thought provoking, causing me to revisit the dark corners of loss and grief that my husband and I put far away. Sure, certain days of the year you remember how old a child (now adult) would have been but never dwell too long lest you really start counting up the lost milestones and unlived years of life. I applaud Mr. Flood and his wife for honoring their first daughter and keeping her present in their family’s and friend’s lives. God bless him.” — Tanya Kasprzyk, Parish Outreach Coordinator Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart


“A beautiful and powerful story of a father’s love for his born still daughter and how she helped him to find his way through loss, depression and healing. A story of unconditional love and the true meaning of life.” — Diane Wilshere, “Helping Parents Heal

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.J. Flood is a husband and a father of two little girls and a baby angel. Residing in Long Island, New York, he is a high school literature and writing teacher and the author of Where Are You? Finding Myself in My Greatest Loss, his first published work.

Flood is also the writer/director of Too Much Noise — a short film in American Sign Language — which has appeared in several film festivals and won the Best Original Idea award at New York City’s 2018 Chain Film Festival.

M. J. Flood, “A Father’s Voyage To The Moon – Without His Baby Girl,” Still Standing Magazine (March 11, 2019)

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