The Eleven Year Burn : A Memoir by Karen Sparks

   On November 1, 2015, my two beautiful children, Reagan 9 and Grant 8, were murdered by their father, who then killed himself.  In an instant, my world was over.  They were not given a choice to live out their lives, because he chose for them.  My identity was stripped from me, and I found myself staring at an empty void.  Was my life pointless?  Meaningless?  Who was I… who were my children?  Would anyone remember them if I was gone?  Was my life over?  Where was God in all of this?     
     
The time I spent at a residential treatment facility, a "crazy house," so I thought before I entered, proved to be the vehicle I needed to go deep, to agonize, scream, laugh, feel triumph and face my fears while staring into the void of darkness and the loneliness of the aftermath.      

God alone is the reason I'm here today.  On a daily basis, my faith is tested, but I've found healing and a new purpose in writing this book.  I don't claim to have all the answers, nor is this a self-help or guidebook.  I'm open and honest; telling my story in its raw and real form, holding nothing back.  Grief and pain will always remain, but the roar of God's mighty voice and those of my children speak loud within my deep groans.  It's there; that I'm reminded that with God's love, I can get up, take a breath, take another step, and go the distance.     
 
We've assembled a small, passionate team of experienced writers, editors, and consultants to help me shape my story into a book.  There's a lot of planning and hard work ahead as we strive to complete this project.  I pray this book will be a source of hope for others before it's too late.  I also hope that somewhere, somehow, within this story, we can connect on a human level and inspire one another as we journey through this insane thing called life.  You are not alone.        

We consider you a part of the vessel of hope for our readers.  Through prayers, tears, laughter, and faith; we answer the call to assemble, to shed light on this evil act and never forget the innocent victims.   Reagan and Grant are cheering us on, "go the distance and finish strong."  #LoveNeverEnds

I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration.  Blessings to you.

If you're interested in previewing  Chapter 1, please visit my website — karenasparks.com   It's still in rough draft form, but I wanted to share it with you -  The Eleven Year Burn,  Chapter One:  The Phone Call .   Thank you  and blessings to all.