NOTICE: Postings in this journal are intended for adults as they may contain adult situations and language.

On January 20th, my 37-year-old brother had his 3rd major heart attack in the last year. The back of his heart was damaged beyond repair. I didn't find out until January 22nd that not only was he in the intensive care unit, but that he and his wife and kids have been basically homeless for the last few months.

On January 22nd, he was flown to Phoenix where today he underwent surgery and had 3 stents placed into his heart. During the surgery, his heart stopped and he had to be shocked back to life. The muscles in his chest and arms went into spasms and after surgery he experienced the worst pain of his life.

Earlier today, I found out that the surgery was a success and he is finally on the road to recovery.

During this time, his wife and kids have been in a motel, spending what little money they had on over-priced flea-infested rooms. The rooms are going for 2-3 times their normal rates because it's winter and the town caters to the winter visitors. Additionally, they know they can get $100 a night for a room that isn't worth $20.

And even while all of this was going on, the proverbial silver lining has opened and it opened wide.

I belong to a horror message board that belongs to the wonderful online bookseller, www.shocklines.com. I posted a message and told my fellow authors and friends about my brother and his situation. I was only looking for prayers, but what I got was a lot more.

I GOT MY FAITH IN HUMANITY BACK.

Not only are the "shockliners" praying and keeping me embraced in their love, they have started a "collection" of sorts. They have emailed me their promises to mail checks to help my brother's family get back on their feet, again. The emails are coming in fast and hard, along with continued concern and support. Soon, there will be enough money collected to get my brother and his family into a home or apartment so they can breathe a little easier knowing the motel room isn't due again each day. It will allow them time to secure the monthly disability check he will need the rest of his life to help support his family.

The people at the shocklines board are truly some of the very finest around. These horror authors, readers, editors and publishers deserve to be recognized for the fine people they are.

Please take a moment and stop by http://pub117.ezboard.com/fshocklinesforumfrm2 and let them know how much they mean to me. If you like the horror genre, feel free to make the shocklines board your new home.

Thank you.

~E~



Be sure and look for my stories in the following anthologies:

THE HOLLER – The Fear Within – 3F Publications

THE FEAR – Femmes de la Brume – Double Dragon Publishing

CHICKEN – Scary! Holiday Tales to Make You Scream –
Double Dragon Publishing

All titles can be found and purchased at www.shocklines.com

www.elizabethpeake.com