I’ll Be Back

by Dean Kramer 
February, 2002


When I began writing this monthly column in September of 2000 I had no idea whether anyone would be interested in what I had to say about my own experiences with MS. But many of you who read the column wrote to tell me of your own experiences, and that reassured me that the column had something to offer.

Last August a book of stories by and about people with MS was released into print. The book, When the Road Turns, is by Margot Russell and I was fortunate enough to have a chapter of mine included among the many wonderful stories she collected and edited.


Margot and I became friends while working on this project and she, along with the staff at MSWorld, encouraged me to consider getting a collection of my own published. I was fairly non-committal about the possibility at first. I didn't feel a great need to be published but, at the same time, I agreed it might be fun and exciting if it happened.

Well, I'm excited and I'm having fun, so far. A publisher has read my work and is interested in my doing a book. In fact I've been asked to sign a contract to that end. Some of the Cripple Creek columns will be included in that book along with other heretofore unpublished pieces. Several of those unpublished pieces have yet to be written. Given my limited energy, I've had to make the tough decision to take a break from my monthly column here at MSWorld in order to focus attention on this book. I expect to be gone from this page for about 4 months, but I plan to return as soon as the book is completed.

Meanwhile I hope to provide updates on my fool's progress in the wacky world of publishing because, I have to tell you, I am totally clueless as to how this whole thing works. I have competent people to advise and guide me. All I have to do is listen to them (the hardest task of all!) So, wish me luck, and keep me in your prayers. Your encouragement means more to me than I can say and I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of having found others with MS who want to read what I write. The fat lady hasn't sung, yet. I'll keep you posted!