Some of you may know my daughter nearly died from the H1N1 virus last fall. She was on life support for two weeks, in intensive care for six weeks, and in the hospital for two months. She finally came home Christmas Eve. At present, she is continuing her recovery.

But, this posting is not about her. It’s about the impact her trauma had on my life.

When my daughter’s hope for survival began to fade away, my family and I desperately reached out to a few close friends for support and prayers. I wrote frequent email Updates on her condition and personal insights and reflections about this traumatic journey. The responses to the Updates were truly surprising. Friends distributed them to their friends and colleagues. Hundreds all over the world requested to be on the email list - people we had never met in countries we had never visited.

As I wrote more Updates, many suggested I continue writing after the trauma ended. The insights and reflections I shared touched them. So, I am continuing with two different types of email letters: (1) INSIGHTS on Business, and (2) REFLECTIONS on Life.

INSIGHTS on Business. I’ve been blessed and honored to work with some of America’s largest corporations and world-class leaders who have taught me much. I am grateful to own Blackstone, Inc., a Strategic Marketing Consulting & Research firm, and have 30+ years experience in business. My hope is that the INSIGHTS on Business will help you be more effective and utilize your own talent and gifts in the work you do.

REFLECTIONS on Life. These will be more personal thoughts on how we can live and love life more fully, make wiser choices, and find more meaning similar to the Updates I wrote during our time of trauma. I’m 58 and been married for 36 years. I had some success in life. But, my years have also included disappointments, failures, pain, and heartbreak. I have a lot to reflect on. And, I’m hoping REFLECTIONS on Life will enrich your own personal life journey as you find your way. 

If you’re on the INSIGHTS on Business list, you’ll receive your first letter in a few days. REFLECTIONS will come three weeks later.

To those of you who wrote encouraging me to continue writing, this is your doing. Thank you.