I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
An operation brings inspiration
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Dear Reader A planned event is successfulLife is never boring. And life is always open to sharing learning opportunities wherever I look. It gives me joy and pleasure to grow and learn. What is often hardest is how these lessons come. “Always look for the silver lining” – that’s an underlying mantra for living, I think. In Aug 2017, I underwent bilateral eye surgery and it wasn’t pretty for a long time – the surgery accentuated undiagnosed double vision, resulting in the need for prism glasses. My sight is really good now! On 13th of this month, Neil had cataract surgery. He’s no stranger to eye operations, having lost his right eye over 20 years ago. Understandably, with only one eye, having surgery on his remaining eye was a bit scary. When I had my procedure my eyes were covered and I had to use drops every four hours. After his operation, we were thrilled to see Neil’s eye was covered by a transparent shield with holes in it, immediately giving him the ability to see shapes and forms. The most thrilling for me is watching him getting used to the parameters of his new sight. Previously he was short sighted and needed glasses for distance. Now he can read, do puzzles, watch TV, use the computer – almost anything without any aids. The occasional use of hobby glasses is sufficient. Distance sight is still not perfect. However, nearly every day he sees more and is confident walking distances, crossing roads etc. It is one of the most amazing things for me to watch how he patiently makes the best of this new challenge, confirming for me (if I ever needed such confirmation) that he is motivated to make his life as good as it can be by embracing the possibilities his new lens is bringing – or not. I can only wonder at the difference it makes for him not to be able to read the tiny print while he can read print at a distance never before possible. Those things that are important to him – such as doing the daily puzzles and reading his Kindle before bed – are still available to him, perhaps even more so. For me, being the driver for a few weeks until he gets the all clear to drive again is not a chore but a joy – to spend a few moments doing something for Neil is quite a reversal and I’m loving it. I'd like to share one thing I noticed in the recovery room. Before Neil returned after his operation, two or three others were wheeled in. Each needed help sitting up, getting off the bed, and walking to the chair where they sat till recovered. When Neil was wheeled in, he sat up unaided, swung his legs over the edge of the bed, slid off and stood on the floor. He was pointed in the direction of the chair and easily moved into it. In addition, no pain medication was needed. His strength is testament to the work he does on a daily and weekly basis to keep himself strong. It paid off in spadefuls. The next day was his birthday and we had a little outing to a favourite cafe. On the Friday he joined the gym class for coffee and cake. No gym class for him till Wednesday this week and I'm sure he will enjoy it. Another opportunity to celebrate his birthday came yesterday, so time for another cake and candle photo! It’s a week since the operation. Today he planted out the strawberries for our summer enjoyment. He’s an inspiration to me to stay strong. Currently, we are both strong – his sight is getting better daily, my own strength is increasing. One day soon we’ll go for a long hike that I dream about often. I’ll share pics as soon as we do it! May we always care for each other and find the joy inherent in every experience that life brings our way. With love, always, Ages of Pages Book Fair - Hamilton, NZ May 1st 2027 I'm getting in early to invite you to the Ages of Pages Book Fair 2027! If things go haywire for me, at least you'll have this invite to refer to earlier to the time. I'll be there and so will my daughter Phoebe. Along with over 140 other authors and book vendors. Once the website for 2027 is up I'll share the link here. In the meantime, I'm keeping this invite up on the newsletter. Why I Write - for you and for me too. Some stories come from lived experience, like navigating my son’s addiction and the long road of recovery. Others are shaped by imagination, like the cozy mystery I’m writing, set in a small café where trust is both tested and rebuilt. Some of my life stories still bring tears. Others make me smile. And many are filled with memories that warm my heart. I write for anyone who’s ever carried a burden across generations, and for anyone who longs to heal forward. I write to bring a little encouragement, comfort and joy into my life and yours. With love, My thoughts for Living Life in 2026 and beyond: "My religion is kindness" Dalai Lama “Cast your bread upon the waters and it will Doris May Payne - my mother "Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing" Helen Keller “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson "Remember that sometimes not getting “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com FOLLOW ME |
Hi! I'm Stephanie Hammond
I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
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