One Man's Junk

About the Book

The story of one woman's life from start to finish.  We get a glimpse into the triumphs and tragedies that fill her life, as seen through the eyes of her friends.  We share the joys, as well as the crushing pain along the way.  

We learn of Raelynn's addiction to alcohol as a baby, the highs and lows of her early childhood experiences, her upbringing, and her mother’s own addiction to alcohol and drugs.  When her parents are killed in a traffic accident, she must go to live with an alcoholic uncle and his wife.  We are told of the failed rape attempt by one of her uncle's friends, as well as her various friendships, activities, part-time jobs, and the beginnings of her first love interest.  

When she can take it no longer, she strikes out on her own.  We are told of her life living with friends, her first apartment, partying, and even being completely homeless for a couple of days.  In time, however, she must return to her uncle’s home, broke and defeated.  We learn the full extent of her first serious relationship, with Brad, including an unplanned pregnancy.  Raelynn leaves her home once again to live with friends until the birth and subsequent surrender of her son.

Following that very difficult time, Raelynn settles into a new city, finds her first real job, and makes new friends who prove to be less than desirable  They lead her into the seedy world of sex and alcohol.  Fortunately, those relationships prove to be short-lived as she moves on to a new job, and onto the path to a better way of life.  She manages to finally graduate, advances at work, and meets the older man who will become her husband.

Once married, they struggle along, facing financial hardship, battling alcohol, and dealing with the stresses of family and work.  Eventually, Raelynn becomes ill and Randy is killed in an accident, much like her parents.

Raelynn carries on her life without her husband.  She moves to the Dominican Republic, and creates a new existence for herself.  We learn about her work with the children from an orphanage and her real estate ventures, her job at a lounge, and her new hobbies.  Just when life can’t get much better, tragedy strikes once again, and Raelynn must fly home to be with the family.

Raelynn is eventually reunited with her first love.  Is there still a spark to be rekindled, or has the flame been extinguished forever?  Only time will tell for sure.  She is also reunited with her son at last, and their new relationship proves to be bittersweet.

The story ends, of course, with Raelynn’s passing.  And in conclusion, we are treated to her views on life -- in her own words.   One man’s junk, but a life to be truly treasured by the one who lived it.

About the Author

Lindi McDermid was born in Manitoba. She moved to Alberta with her parents, and has spent her entire adult life there. She worked in office administration for many years, and has spent the past couple of years writing novels. She currently lives in Drumheller with her husband and her dog, Tyson.