Hello everyone!
My name’s Kristena Tunstall. Growing up, there was never a time where my dreams involved wanting to become a writer. I actually wanted to be a nurse. I joined the Army my junior year in high school and joined as a medic (I was told it was just like being one, LOL). However, I found out after watching the movie Saving Private Ryan that I was never cut out to work in the medical field. Yes, I would have worked great with patients as I am an overall nice person. But the whole blood and guts thing, not so much. My husband always says, “And you were a medic.”
Once I got out of the Army I became an administrative assistant. I loved helping people and working on the computer.
After 9/11, I was laid off in a second set of layoffs. This enabled me to be a stay at home mom to our one and only child Mariana (pronounced Mari-e-awe-na). She was diagnosed a year later with severe classic Autism.
Then in July 2008 she contracted E.coli. After two weeks and two days of this bacteria infection ravishing her little body, she passed away on July 16, 2008. (If you’d like to read what happened to our little girl, please click here.)
As a way to help with my grief journey I began to write on a dedication website in honor of our little angel now in heaven. The road that has led me to writing has been long and filled with many hurdles but I can honestly say it is one of the most reward experiences of my life.
A few years ago I decided to attempt writing my first fiction book (ever). I am able to take all the grief and hurt from my life’s journey and implement those emotions into my characters. For me, this came out of no where but has become a true passion of mine. I feel privileged in being able to share my writing with all of you.
My sincerest hope is that my writing might impact your life in some small way. Thank you for taking the time to find out about me.
I am so sorry for your lose as I also have a daughter who passed away. But I will be looking for your book as I am sure I would enjoy it. Plus I will be back to visit as I enjoyed your blog a lot.
Oh, Glenda, you just made my day. Thank you. From one mom to another who has lost a child, thank you for sharing. I’m always blessed by other parents who been through what I have because they understand so well what I’ve been through. And then I’m also blessed by those who haven’t as I’m always amazed how my words have touched them in some way. I’m glad my words resonated with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
I just spent the last half hour or so exploring you blog and I really like it. I like the 365 Day Writing Journey will you be so kind as to tell me the author.
And to let you know that Suzanne Ong from Intrinsic Musings (http://xsuzannex.wordpress.com) referred me your site. And I’m glad she did.
Thank you for letting me know. I feel honored she would refer my site. 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment. The author is Barbara Abercrombie and the book I’m using is A Year of Writing Dangerously: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement. I’ve so enjoyed going through her book and taking away from it personal thoughts. I’m glad you’re like the 365 Day Writing Journey and thank you for reading my postings.
Kristena, I followed the link here from the ACFW website and read your bio. I, too, am a mother who has lost a child. This huge loss in my life is what kick-started my writing journey. I started by writing what God was teaching me about my own fears, and eventually I wrote a book about my experiences. Now I’m turning to fiction (I told my husband I don’t want my real life to inspire any more books!) Like you, I want to use my fictional characters to teach others about faith, hope, trust and God’s love—everything I learned after losing my son. It’s just proof that God doesn’t waste anything that happens to us. He is in the process of refining us through our trials, and turning us into the people He created us to be, doing what he made us to do. Thanks for sharing your blog.
Jessica Johnson
Wow, Jessica, you’ve put an unexpected smile on my face this morning as I read your comment. I’m always amazed at the people we touch through our writing. You and I have been down a path we both know and understand although we both wish we never had or did. Thank you for leaving this comment. I needed this. 🙂
Kristena
Stumbled upon your name on FaceBook. I am a person who can never have too many friends! Trying to write myself. I cannot identify with your particular loss, but I am a compassionate person whom the Lord wants to use in ministry. I attempt to make myself available on a few sites and in my personal life. Nice to meet you! Another ACFW partner, but haven’t been to a BIG conference yet.
Thank you Mary Ann for your kind words. ACFW is an awesome organization and I love the people here. Hopefully we can get to know each other better.