Nancy Saltzman's Blog, page 5

A heartfelt response to “Radical Survivor”

I began reading right there beside the fire, and kept reading until I finished. Nancy is so staggeringly honest. This story is incredibly poignant, sad, funny, and yes, hopeful. It really softened my heart and made tender my spirit. I cannot begin to imagine her pain but because her writing is so descriptive, I did feel her pain while I read. The title is so perfectly apt.

David

 

Old Photos and Potato Chips

My sister-in-law, Tracy, asked me to send her some photos of Joel, his brother Lee, and our sons, Adam and Seth.

Tracy asked me if it made me sad to look through my old photos. I told her that looking at the pictures made me smile and appreciate what I had even though I miss Joel, Adam, and Seth with all of my heart. 

Of course looking at the photos takes my breath away because my boys were so cute! The first two pictures also reminded me of why I like potato chips so much…

Take a look for yourself — I think you will agree with me that my boys were cute and that potato chips are delicious and fun to eat.

*Seth is on the left and Adam is on the right in the first two pictures. In the black and white you will see Adam, Lee, Seth and Joel.

Enjoy.

 

 

Just Say Something

I have saved an article from Newsweek, written by Betsy Okonski in 1996, titled “Just Say Something”. Betsy and her husband lost a baby in childbirth. What Okonski wrote was exactly how I thought in 1995 and still do to this day. Here is a quote from the article.

“One of the most helpful things you can do for a bereaved person is to acknowledge the loss. Don’t fear causing pain by bringing it up. It was much more upsetting to me when someone acted like nothing happened. Keep it simple. ‘I’m sorry’ may feel inadequate, but the truth is that there is really nothing you can say that will take the pain away. Sincerely said, ‘I’m sorry’ says that you care, and that’s what is truly needed.”

“Grief lasts a long time….if you have not acknowledged the loss yet, regardless of the reason, do it now. It is never too late.”

On Tuesday of next week it will be 18 years since the plane crash that took the lives of my husband and two sons, Joel, Adam, and Seth Herzog. Thank you to everyone who helps keep my memories alive each day. Thank you to everyone who has said, “I’m sorry” or “I have been thinking of you”. 

 

 

 

 

Books Make a Difference

I had lunch today at Wooglin’s Deli in Colorado Springs with Meagan Frank, Senior Writer at Books Make a Difference. Meagan graduated from Colorado College a few years after I did. Actually, it was so many years after my graduation that an old friend of Meagan’s asked her if I was her mother! I thought, “I wish!”

Meagan is a writer, mother, wife, athlete, speaker and now my friend. Check out to learn more about Meagan and Books Make a Difference – an online magazine celebrating books, their creators and fans, and the positive difference they make in people’s lives.

Looking for something to read?

If you are looking for something to read over the three day weekend, feel free to check out my book, Radical Survivor: One Woman’s Path Through Life, Love, and Uncharted Tragedy. I think the book is really good but you don’t have to take my word for it, you can read a review and see what you think! Check it out at the Story Circle Reviews website!  http://www.storycirclebookreviews.org/reviews/radicalsurvivor.shtml

Mother’s Day

Pictures speak a thousand words. No question that I loved being a mother.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

When I am sad I bake chocolate chip cookies because baking them reminds me of cooking with my youngest son, Seth. I am going to take the cookies to a friend tomorrow whose son took his own life Sunday night. As Christopher Robin said to Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

I like celebrating birthdays!

My birthday was on Sunday, March 24. My first birthday cake was a cinnamon roll with candles at Rudy’s Little Hideaway in Colorado Springs. Greg, my fiancé and I, and a small group of friends (and waitresses) sang to me. It was a perfect party! The next day I had a little birthday lunch with my BFF, Donna, and that night I celebrated with friends at book club.

On Monday, Amazon ordered 8 more of my books so I packed those up and sent them. That was a nice surprise! Maybe some people read about the book on Susan Estrich’s blog. You can read it by clicking on this link: http://www.ww.creators.com/opinion/susan-estrich/radical-survivor.html  

I hope you have a great birthday this year whenever it is!

 

The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and memories of my sons

Today I attended a fundraiser for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony (CSYS) and the Children’s Chorale. In one hour we were able to eat breakfast and listen to beautiful music presented by both groups. Gary Nicholson, my best friend’s husband, started the symphony over 25 years ago and continues to conduct the top orchestra. It was wonderful to listen to the beautiful music. At our table sat someone I had not seen since my sons were in elementary school – the father of children who knew Adam and Seth. He gave me a hug and told me what his children were doing now. Our talk made me think about what Adam (who would now be 30) and Seth (who would now be 28) would be up to. Playing tennis? Small business owners? Teachers? Doctors? Lawyers? Married? Not married? Parents? 

It was nice thinking about them as grown ups even though it also makes me sad. I wish I could call them and wish them a “Happy Valentine’s Day.” I hope, wherever you are reading this, you are spending some time with someone special today. Greg, my fiancé and I are going to walk the dogs and wear red. 

 

What happens when you have a free download of your book?

My book, Radical Survivor, was a free download on February 2 and 3. It was downloaded 11,150 times. I checked Amazon about every hour and watched the numbers go up. Each time I held my breath not knowing what to expect but there it was – by the end of the day Sunday 11,150! I was overwhelmed with gladness! Little did i know that this download would stimulate continued interest! The book has now been downloaded over 100 times for the purchase price on Amazon and paperback book sales have also increased.

Another great thing? People are posting reviews of the book on Amazon.

One person who downloaded the book contacted me for an interview for her radio show. I met Julie on the phone and you can hear the interview  on Book Tour Radio. http://booktourradio.com/radical-surv...  It was a pleasure talking to Julie – we have a lot in common!

Happy day.