EPISODE 789 - Lynn M Grass - Porch Time with Lynnie - A Companion For Caregivers

Sometimes the most meaningful books begin not with a publishing plan, but with a desire to help others through life's most difficult moments.

In this episode, author Lynnie shares the deeply personal story behind her book *Porch Time*, a project that grew from a series of Facebook posts documenting her family's journey through illness, caregiving, faith, and perseverance. What started as updates for family and friends eventually became a book after readers encouraged her to turn her experiences into a resource that could help others facing similar challenges.

The conversation explores the realities of caring for a loved one living with kidney failure while navigating family life, work responsibilities, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. Lynnie reflects on the years spent supporting her husband through dialysis treatments, medical appointments, hospital stays, and the long road toward a kidney transplant. Along the way, she discovered that the quiet moments spent on her front porch became a place for reflection, hope, and sharing her experiences with others.

More than a memoir, *Porch Time* serves as a source of encouragement for caregivers, spouses, family members, and anyone facing overwhelming circumstances. Lynnie discusses the importance of community support, the role of faith during difficult seasons, and the unexpected ways people stepped forward to help her family through meal trains, fundraising efforts, prayers, and simple acts of kindness.

The discussion also highlights the writing and publishing journey itself. Lynnie never envisioned becoming an author, yet through persistence, encouragement from friends and family, and a commitment to helping others, she brought her story to life. The response from readers has reinforced her belief that sharing personal experiences can create powerful connections and remind people they are not alone.

Beyond her first book, Lynnie shares her creative pursuits, including plans for future books, a faith-based adult coloring book, and other projects designed to inspire reflection, creativity, and hope. Throughout the conversation, her passion for helping people remains at the center of everything she creates.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that some of life's greatest challenges can also become opportunities to encourage others. Through vulnerability, faith, and perseverance, one family's story has become a source of comfort for readers facing struggles of their own.

No one should have to navigate life's hardest seasons alone. By sharing our experiences, accepting support from others, and holding onto hope during difficult times, we can find strength not only for ourselves but for those who may be walking a similar path.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lynn M Grass invites readers into a tender yet powerful journey shaped by love, hardship, and unwavering faith. As a single mother raising three children, she never imagined that one relationship would transform her entire world. What began as a beautiful new chapter soon took an unexpected turn when her husband received a life-altering diagnosis of kidney failure.

Through long nights, hospital visits, and moments of heartbreak, Lynn leaned on her faith for strength. While juggling work, school, and the responsibilities of raising a family, she discovered a deep resilience rooted in her Midwestern Christian values.

Her story is a moving reminder: even in life’s most difficult seasons, God’s grace can carry us through—and often shines brightest in our darkest moments.

https://www.porchtimewithlynnie.com/

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Episode 788 - Denise Derya Brandt - Istanbul Dreaming - Ayten, a dutiful daughter torn between tradition and her dream of becoming a modern Turkish woman

Writing a Family Story Through Historical Fiction

Denise Derya Brandt always dreamed of writing a book. After more than twenty years working in international development and public health, including projects in Afghanistan, Liberia, and Myanmar, she found herself reflecting on that dream when the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boxes of family photographs reopened questions about her parents. A visit to Turkey in 2021 brought an unexpected discovery: a photograph of her Turkish mother in a wedding dress beside a man who was not Denise's American father. Her aunt's reaction revealed a hidden part of her mother's past. Her mother had experienced a forced arranged marriage before running away to Istanbul, where she eventually met Denise's father.

That discovery became the foundation for Denise's historical fiction novel.

Turning Family History Into Fiction

Denise used her parents' first names for her central characters, I-10 and Earl, while creating fictional circumstances, composite characters, and a different ending. She wanted to explore what a young woman in 1950s Turkey might have experienced as she sought independence and control over her own life.

Research became essential. Historical events, newspaper archives, advertisements, prices, and the social and political context helped Denise create a believable setting. At the same time, she learned to give herself room to discover the story while writing.

Her own experiences also shaped the work. Living overseas and navigating unfamiliar languages and cultures gave her insight into feelings she could bring to her characters.

A New Chapter

Writing the novel also gave Denise a way to process grief and understand her mother from a different perspective. She came to accept that her mother had been entitled to keep parts of her life private, while still seeing the novel as a tribute to her story.

The writing process changed Denise's career and opened a new chapter. Moving from international development into writing meant becoming a beginner again, something she describes as exciting and valuable.

Family stories can carry unanswered questions across generations. Writing can create a way to explore those gaps, preserve a legacy, and discover something new about yourself along the way.

https://www.denisederyabrandt.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 787 - Linda Paul - The Last Gypsy Queen - Set in The Buckeye Lake Amusement Park, Ohio

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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