Interview with Lynda Fishman, Author of Repairing Rainbows

Joining us today is Lynda Fishman, author of Repairing Rainbows: A True Story of Family, Tragedy, and Choices. Lynda  is a trained clinical social worker who has spent over twenty years as a camp director. She is the owner and director of Adventure Valley Day Camp.

Lynda is a motivational and inspirational speaker and facilitator. She has published articles and training manuals on leadership, teamwork, bullying, trust, childhood health and wellness, communication and customer service.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Lynda. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book?

In 1970, when I was thirteen years old, I lost my mother and two younger sisters in an Air Canada plane crash. They were flying from Montreal to Los Angeles and all 109 passengers and crew members perished.

As a determined young teen, I made a conscious decision to become happy again, and to lead a fulfilled and purposeful life. I managed to muster up the courage and strength to dream big, to be idealistic, to strive for more, and to live a meaningful life where I could make a difference in the lives of others.

I met my husband Barry when we were each 17 years old. He had just been orphaned and left alone to care for his brother with various special needs.

Our individual childhood stories are tragic and shocking but our story together is truly a story of tenacity and triumph. When we met as teens, we were two young people armed with courage and determination to create a meaningful life together. I am proud to say that we reassembled our shattered lives into something new and wonderful.

Despite Barry’s tragic childhood, he has succeeded in life beyond his wildest dreams. He spent his entire career working in the health care and pharmaceutical industry. He is President and CEO of the Canadian operations for the world’s largest generic pharmaceutical company, Teva Pharmaceuticals. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Childhood Cancer Foundation.

As a survivor of an unspeakable personal tragedy, I know only too well the horrific pain and profound sadness of losing a loved one. As a clinical social worker, an inspirational speaker, a summer day camp owner and director, and the author of Repairing Rainbows, I do everything I can to help people find a way, a path, a direction to take back into the world to truly live again. I give them some tools, tips and tricks to get their life on the “yellow brick road” to happiness.

Since the publication of Repairing Rainbows, I have set up the Repairing Rainbows Fund, which provides support for grieving children and their families.

Barry and I have been happily married for over 32 years. We have three children and three dogs. We are also an official kitten rescue foster home.

Repairing Rainbows captures my growth from a young girl into who I am now, and the steps I needed to take in order to live on, beyond the tragedy. It is about so much more than tragedy though – it is an inspirational story about marriage, family, love, hope, gratitude, and most especially, choices.

Another big part of Repairing Rainbows, is about my life-altering and life-expanding experiences with a Medium who connected me with my mother and sisters.

The effect that this book is having on people is unbelievable. I am at my computer for many hours every day, responding to emails and FB messages about Repairing Rainbows. Obviously, the book is having a profound impact on many, many people, and is providing them with hope and inspiration. Finally, some good is coming out of something tragic.

What inspired you to write it?

I had learned as a young teen, back in the early '70s and stricken with tragedy, that the topic of death and loss is not to be discussed. But as the years went on, I found myself writing my story over and over again, in my head. I always felt as if the story should be told, so that others could know what had happened, and could learn something from the opposing choices that were made by me and by my father.

Throughout my life there have been numerous people continuously encouraging me to write a book, tell the world my story, and inspire others who are faced with tragedy. And then when they hear about my husband Barry's childhood, they are further astonished. (Both Barry and I can attest to the fact that when a child loses a parent or a sibling, they also lose their childhood.) People are truly fascinated by our history, and curious about the details. How did you get through it? What was it like? How could you both be so normal?

Learning how to be positive and staying true to the goals you set for yourself are effective ways of working through tragedy and setbacks. It is my hope that there are important lessons in my journey that will provide others with hope and inspiration -- maybe even some tools to help them overcome struggles and obstacles, and fulfill their lives. By sharing some of our life lessons, our untiring search to bring positivity and meaning into our lives, and knowing that we always have choices, we think that our heartbreaking story is uplifting and hopeful at the same time.

I "officially" started writing the book in November 2008, because I finally had some free time. For me, too much free time is dangerous. I am always looking for things to do that will keep me very busy and distracted -- and I try to make sure they are things I enjoy doing and find meaningful. Since I always have to be busy, I thought that writing a book would be a perfect project. The other, perhaps most significant reason for me to have started writing this book is because in 2008, I was in a dark place in my life, having once again experienced profound loss. While the loss of my job was nothing compared to what I lost as a young teen, the familiar feelings that accompany any loss are the same -- heavy sadness, hopelessness, fear, and just an overall feeling of gloom and weakness. Those familiar painful feelings of loss and sadness brought back those horrible memories of my teen years - memories I had kept tightly bandaged for many years.

From the moment I sat down and started writing, I found myself instantly and completely immersed in the writing, every single day for almost a year. All I could think about was how I could best tell my story.

Why are so many people reading this book?

Repairing Rainbows is loaded with strategies, guidance and reassurance, teaching countless people that while at times life makes no sense, there is always a way to become happy again, and to lead a fulfilled and purposeful life.

As people, our power lies in how we respond to everything we are faced with. Throughout the story, there are tips and strategies for people dealing with grief, who want to choose LIFE over sadness, bitterness or basic existence.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

http://www.repairingrainbows.com/buy.php

Was the writing difficult or cathartic?

The whole experience of going back to times that were horribly painful has been both difficult as well as cathartic. Along with difficulties and challenges come important lessons. As I reflected back, it became obvious that the life lessons for me have been endless.

Repairing Rainbows reveals my positive and determined view of life with highlights of the insidious nature of its nemesis -- death -- in all its guises. There's a crucial difference between "truly living" and the existence that is so often mistaken for being alive. At every juncture, I had to decide whether to succumb to or overcome the sorrow. I chose LIFE.

I have to say that the most meaningful lesson I have learned through my life experiences has been the importance of focusing on the good, finding the rainbow in every storm. And in that rainbow, there is gratitude and appreciation. Making "thank you" a predominant thought and feeling was critical for me.

Even when my life completely collapsed around me, and hope seemed so far out of reach, I took baby steps. I believed that somehow things would get better. Instead of thinking, feeling and talking about all of the "bad" things that I had to endure - the hardships, tough times, difficulties and disappointments, I chose to look for and acknowledge the good or great things that I had, even when it felt like I was grasping at straws -- where and when I was lucky, blessed, fortunate, and joyful. I did my best to search for and find some form of peace and love in my life.

I never let go of my hope and faith in the future. Somehow I intuitively believed that despite the pain, I could make some good choices, write my own story, create my own journey.

I may have only had my mother with me until I was thirteen (in physical form, that is) but her impact on my life has been strong throughout my life. She showed me how to give, how to care, and how to trust. She taught me to find the strength and courage to soar like a bird above life's seemingly insurmountable obstacles and difficulties. She was a woman who left huge footprints for me to follow, a mentor, a guide. Her mother had shown her the path to living life with beautiful values and integrity.

I can only hope that these important lessons continue to be learned and appreciated for generations to follow.

Barry and I often talk about some of the other teachers we've had in our lives. Mitchell, Barry's developmentally-challenged brother, taught us so much - so many life lessons. He had a heart of gold, and despite all of his limitations and difficulties, if he could have, he would have done anything for anyone. I think he had more challenges in his life than anyone else I've ever known, yet he carried on with his life, doing the best that he could, constantly grasping at whatever he could find along the way to make his life, and [Mitchell's significant other] Tina's, more meaningful.

We've had other teachers disguised with frightening masks. People and situations that came into our lives and shook things up. Scared us. Tried to drag us down, grab our faith and run with it. Drained us of our energy. Knowing that adversity and hardship can be turned into an opportunity, and committed to choosing life, I found the strength to replace fear and panic with hope and dreams.

Barry and I both agree about the importance of on-going learning from experience and from others. We constantly look for opportunities to grow and learn by actively listening and being genuinely and keenly interested in what others have to say. Learn from others. Be curious. Explore.

What is up next for you?

The writing and publishing of the book is done, but this new journey related to Repairing Rainbows is far from done. In fact, Repairing Rainbows has opened many new doors for me, connecting me to many, many people who found hope and inspiration by reading the book. I am now doing speaking engagements on a regular basis, and providing help and advice to people dealing with grief. The most satisfying part of this whole journey is my new connection to organizations that help grieving children.

Now, a year after publishing the book, I know without any doubt, that my experiences have helped light the way for others, which makes me feel that the intensity of the writing was all worthwhile -- and that something good has finally come out of something tragic.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Throughout our lives together, people have been shocked when they hear our stories. When they ask how we've made it through all these years, and we seem so normal, we always said that you deal with what you have to deal with -- what choice did we have? But looking back, I realize that we did have choices. We always have choices. And we made choices. People don't always choose to deal with things the same way.

When I think back to those early teen years, I realize that it occurred to me, even then, that my life was comparable to Dorothy's in The Wizard of Oz. Like Dorothy, I intuitively understood that the decisions and the planning for the direction of my life was up to me.

Dorothy and her little dog Toto, were caught in a tornado and swept away to a land beyond the rainbow - the land of Oz. She didn't just stand there. She didn't walk aimlessly in circles. She embarked on a courageous quest to find a way to return home.

She chose to lean on the wonderful people she met as she followed the Yellow Brick Road - the people who were caring, positive and sincere - Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, the Munchkins, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Lion. Following the Yellow Brick Road together, they did their best to dodge the bad guys -- the ones who were miserable, negative or mean - The Wicked Witch of the West and the Flying Monkeys.

Sometimes Dorothy has to be rescued by her friends, and other times it's the reverse, with Dorothy rescuing her friends. Throughout the story, Dorothy chose a direction, she stayed focused and optimistic, and she held onto her hope with persistence and determination.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Lynda. We wish you much success.



Blog Tour web site:

http://repairing-rainbows.blogspot.com/

Repairing Rainbows website:

http://repairingrainbows.com/

Lynda Fishman's Twitter:

http://twitter.com/RepairingLife

Excerpt link:

http://repairing-rainbows.blogspot.com/search/label/Excerpt

Reviews link:

http://repairing-rainbows.blogspot.com/search/label/Reviews

Paperback
Price: $18.00
ISBN: 9780986607400
Pages: 272
Release: June 2010
Buy links:


Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Chapters/Indigo
Kindle

Lynda Fishman's Bio:


In 1970, when she was thirteen years old, Lynda’s life came to a disastrous halt when her mother and two younger sisters were killed in an Air Canada plane crash.

As a young teen, Lynda made a conscious decision to become happy and to lead a fulfilled life. Lynda chose to live. She was committed to learning, growing and making a difference. Determined to find meaning and purpose in her life, she managed to muster up the courage and strength to dream big, to be idealistic, to strive for more, and to live a meaningful life where she could make a difference in the lives of others.

Lynda Fishman is a trained clinical social worker who has spent over twenty years as a camp director. In the early 90s, Lynda was one of the first camp directors in the Toronto area to incorporate children with special needs into mainstream camp life. Lynda has devoted a lifetime to organized camping and is passionate about the positive role of camping in a person’s life. She is the owner and director of Adventure Valley Day Camp.

Lynda is a motivational and inspirational speaker and facilitator. She has published articles and training manuals on leadership, teamwork, bullying, trust, childhood health and wellness, communication and customer service.

Lynda’s husband, Barry Fishman, has his own amazing story to share, having been orphaned at age 17 and left alone to care for his brother with special needs. Lynda and Barry met as teenagers and have been together since then. They have three grown children, and the whole family is heavily involved in supporting children dealing with tragedy, cancer or other life-threatening diseases, fund-raising and charity events.

Barry has spent his entire career working in the health care and pharmaceutical industry. He is President and CEO of the Canadian operations for the world’s largest generic pharmaceutical company, Teva Pharmaceuticals. Barry serves on the Board of Directors of the Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Lynda is a woman of action. She has incredible enthusiasm for life. She is persistent, focused and faithful to her dreams and goals. She is willing to work for everything with patience, optimism and determination. She finds ways to be grateful and positive. Lynda goes out there and does what she has to do with a CAN DO attitude of gratitude, positivity, compassion, and honesty.