Getting back in the driver’s seat

As I continue to heal from my colon cancer surgery, I am slowly getting out and about more.

On Saturday, April 12, Debbie and I, along with our oldest nephew, held our second annual Montezuma Business Expo and Craft Show.

We took this event over last year and decided to keep it going. It had previously been under the direction of the former Montezuma Business Boosters.

We had many new vendors this year and a study stream of attendees. Many of our vendors reported good sales.

Getting the word out about these kind of events is always a challenge. We advertise through Facebook, and that does reach out to many. We also hang up flyers in Grinnell, Brooklyn and Montezuma to get the word out.

We are very appreciative of the Montezuma Schools and custodial staff for use of the school’s central gym, chairs and tables and making this community event possible.

That evening, Debbie and I and rest of my Iowa family enjoyed supper out. It was my birthday supper, only six months late. It doesn’t bother, me as time spent with family is time well spent.

Debbie signed and sold nine copies of her newest book in the Hope Series, “Accidental Reveal,” at the show.

This is Debbie’s fifth novel since the spring of 2018 and fourth in the Hope Series. Her other book is titled, “Mister Christmas.” It’s a novella that she released in the late fall of 2023 about an Iowa town that almost didn’t have a Christmas celebration.

Following is the synopsis and basis of Debbie’s Hope series of books.

Hope, Iowa is a small town full of everyday people. Like most small towns, people in Hope usually know your personal business, sometimes better than you do. But they also are the first to bring a casserole and offer a shoulder to cry on when tragedy strikes. Some people have secrets they are desperately trying to hide while others’ lives are an open book. Some are longing for the day when they can break out of their small-town chains and others are hopeful to return home. Join our journey as we tag along and learn about the lives of the fine folks of Hope, Iowa.

Together, Debbie and I have now published eight books.

This includes my own book of 75 newspaper columns entitled “Good Things are Happening” that was released in October 2024.

I picked up the “Good Things are Happening” focus on life while in college in the 1990s at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

I was a non-traditional student in my 30s in school. I overcame many obstacles along the way in earning my degree.

No matter the outcome of a test or assignment, I just kept pushing myself. I never gave up. I also learned the importance of getting help.

I attended many tutoring sessions in English, math and chemistry.

I spent my evenings working as a custodian at the university. I listened to lots of Bible tapes to build my faith, and along the way I picked up the “Good Things are Happening” slogan listening to the Word of God.

It’s been an important part of my life ever since.

The other day I was interviewing three Montezuma high school girls, two of which are seniors, for a future article. When I was done with the interview, I told the young ladies that know matter what life brings them, don’t ever give up.

I spoke briefly of my struggles with high school English and how I went on to attend one of, if not the top journalism program in the world.

I encouraged them to keep going and not let the world’s distractions get in their way.

I hope my encouragement helps them along their life journey.

On a side note, I meet with an oncologist this week to talk about the possibility of going on a six month regiment of chemo to make sure I am cancer free.

The surgeon feels that he got all the cancer. However, there was a small strand within the cancer that raised some concerns that it might have started to spread.

I want to do what is going to give me the best chance at a cancer-free quality of life in the coming days and years.

I do appreciate all the prayers, thoughts and cards in the mail and support through this journey.

You are the real heroes, and I appreciate each and every one who has taken the time to send me a kind note and a pray to God in Heaven.

Thank you!

Have a great week, and always remember that “Good Things are Happening” every day.