As I head into the New Year, I’m thinking about the people that made all the previous ones worthwhile. The 3rd book in my Angelbound Series, Armageddon, is dedicated to one of those people, Jane Koomar. A lot of readers have told me how much the book and dedication meant to them, so I wanted to share it with you.
Best wishes for a wonderful new year 🙂
Christina
From Armageddon…
Acknowledgments
Armageddon was gut-wrenching to write and I don’t care who knows it. In my creative process, I try to follow my little muse wherever it wants to go, and with Armageddon it wanted rehash one of the toughest periods of my life, when my son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. At that point, my sweet two-year-old boy experienced the world as an overwhelming and often terrifying place. He exhibited many of the classic signs of trauma. My husband and I were at a loss for how to ease his suffering.
We were incredibly fortunate when Jane Koomar came into our life and family. She taught us how the brain remains plastic through old age and that we all have the potential to grow and heal, whatever the pace. She showed us that our child’s sensory challenges were a puzzle that could be solved, and that our family could have a fun time doing it. Sensory integration therapy with Jane and the wonderful team at OTA Watertown (now OTA the Koomar Center) made all the difference in our son’s development as well as our lives as a family. We are one of many that were blessed with her presence.
Jane was also a friend. She and I shared an intense way of soaking in the world and new pursuits that may seem odd to outsiders, but made perfect sense to us. We’d email esoteric brain development research back and forth, geeking out on the implications for days. When I’d join in my son’s therapy sessions , Jane had no issues pushing both of us on the platform swing if I had to take an emergency call from the office. “That’s how it is when you’re a working Mom, Christina. Watch your head.”
Jane wore a different, more official face when she was her public-self versus the private, effervescent think-tank who brainstormed how to end third-world poverty with stationary bikes (and yes, she had a concept that would totally work!) She read my books and encouraged my writing. She was taken from us far too soon.
In summary, I can only end these acknowledgements by recalling Walker’s sentiments to Myla on the Plains of Fire. With some people, there are no goodbyes. Only see you soon.
Jane, you are missed. See you soon.
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