written by Judy Dulberg
Bring on the hard work, the new adventures, and even the
obstacles. “Center Rock Publishing, LLC”
is now incorporated, trademarked, logo-ed and on it’s way. How does one start an independent publishing
company? With a lot of support, a
heaping dose of gumption, an enormous love of words and books, and a giant leap
of faith. Trust when I say, “That last
step is a doozy!”
The profound words of others have guided me through the
years. Sometimes just a couple of words, a small
gesture or a simple phrase, which may seem insignificant, stay with the recipient
longer than one can imagine. Over more years than I care to admit to I have been lucky enough to have amazing mentors who taught me lessons which encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Here are a choice few:
“You are a writer and a thinker, don’t let grades or fear
keep you from tapping into that.” – Nancy Romer, my psychology professor at
Brooklyn College.
“Why not?” The question always asked by Bernie Kosberg, Ramapo
for Children’s former Executive Director, when a child, a staff member, or an
administrator thought something could not be done.
“Never let being a nurse keep you from remembering that you
are someone who loves words.” Deborah Sherman, PhD, CRPN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FAAN,
my final clinical instructor at NYU.
Words can impart direction, advice, and inspiration. They can also deter, demean and
undermine. When chosen well they are
more powerful than any tool imaginable. When they are not they can be dangerous. Without words many a successful endeavor would never have come to pass.
Sadly,I can’t give credit by name to the patient in my care
14 years ago who imparted a colossal life lesson with the smallest of gestures and some profound advice. He was a Vietnam Vet who was down on his luck,
and had stage IV liver disease. He needed
a transplant. We did a lot of paperwork
and a lot of soul-searching. We walked through nearly endless pre-testing. His
name was added to the list for a new liver.
It was a challenging process, especially in light of how ill he was.
When I told him I was leaving that job he gave me a tiny seesaw he had made with a
tongue depressor, a toothpick, and a matchbox.
In the matchbox was a note, which read, “Enjoy life’s ups and
downs. Thanks for making a difference!”
The other side of the note said, “For
making my ups and downs more bearable!
Love -” and he signed his name.
He then said this, “I hope you work as hard as you did for me to make
things happen in your own life. We just
don’t know what might happen next.” I
come back to this thought all of the time.
You don’t need to have a lot to make a difference – a
beautiful imagination can make a toothpick and a tongue depressor into a treasured
gift, and words can change the direction of someone’s life. Stay tuned and join the adventure as I explore the written word and Center Rock
Publishing progresses in the production of original Children’s Picture Books and Humor Titles.
© Judy Dulberg March 2013
