People & Places

Allow us to introduce you to some of the characters from and contributors to the Crucial Moments books.  The authors appreciate every soul and story that crosses our path. 

An excerpt from Crucial Moments Lesson 14, Appreciation – ” The vast majority of people who receive crisis intervention support services appreciate the efforts made on their behalf. They are thankful that someone made efforts to help them They are grateful that someone listened, provided food, and fluids, kept them warm, provided companionship. Sometimes people do not have to do anything special. Being present can be enough……….Being present in the moment is what is really necessary. Sometimes we just have to show up.”  

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your moment.  JTM & WLV

Josey and The Hybrid Nun. The Hybrid Nun has been part of the Crucial Moments series in Sister Mary The Baker The Barber and the Bricklayer, Transition Man, and yet to be titled Book 4 . Connected by family and by so much more, this amazing woman knows more about change, pain, and the grace of living with gratitude than any I have ever known. A Boy Named Ben is the first chapter that shares part of her story.

Mother Hen, Josey, and The Devil Dog. Josey had the honor of meeting Mother Hen and The Devil Dog in 2013 when their quiet town experienced a horrible city wide tragedy. Although very protective of their small fire department family, Mother Hen and Devil Dog allowed Josey in during their darkest hours. They have shared their hearts and lives with him selflessly. Readers can find their presence since the beginning of the Crucial moments series.

The resting place of the Boar – If one person has the most presence in Josey’s stories it is the Boar. Also known as Bill or simply Dad, the Boar is not only a powerful influence on Josey’s formative years. The memories of caring for his father during his excruciating fight and eventual death due to cancer and illness have become a driving force behind Josey’s understanding of the process of emotional trauma.

Lieutenant Dan – Lieutenant Dan is introduced in Sister Mary The Baker The Barber and The Bricklayer in the story Circle of Life. Though his mention is brief in this story of his town, Lt. Dan’s story is far from small. He and his wife “Jenny” have shown incredible resiliency and healing. They have notably made contributions to the training of Critical Incident Stress responders from around the world.

Anna and Jesse Joel Smith –  A more recent addition to the Crucial Moments series, is the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of Anna Smith and her beloved son Jesse embedded in Transition Man. Spoken in Anna’s voice from a letter she wrote to Josey after their unorthodox meeting at his home in the deep south, her story of loss and despair will touch your soul. What happens when you are so full of grief you cannot breath and traditional therapists hold no answers? Anna holds the distinction of being the only personality in the series who has not been referenced by one of Josey’s peculiar nicknames.

G-Man, Zeb, and Wyatt Visnovske- Part role model, part influencer and wholly a larger than life character. Meeting G-man as an awkward teenager introduced Josey to a different world where a solid handshake, trust, and Harleys reign. In Sister Mary The Baker The Barber & The Bricklayer The Buckle tells the story of G-Man, and their buddy Hacksaw through the long years of friendship with Josey.  Inevitably their connection is strengthened with the addition of two young boys who found the same attraction to the spirit of this dynamic man. A tale that spans the years and many miles of life from Rural Missouri to South Georgia and beyond.

The Magic Man sharing some of his “magic”. This contact is truly a gift.

The Magic Man – Throughout the Crucial Moments series, many memorable events are contributed to by a beloved dog. The canine species are companions, protectors and affectionate healers. True to their nature, dogs endear themselves to us in countless ways. Josey writes passionately about 2 of his own that have died in years past. Reading these emotional recollections will truly break the hearts of anyone who has ever shared their life with an animal soul.

Josey’s current partner in fur is a German Shepherd he lovingly refers to as the Magic Man. A great example of the connection they share can be found in the story The Jacket. “The Magic Man runs to me, I kneel down, wet kisses consume my face. I’m not sure he knows he has magic, but he does. Dogs have always had magic in my book. Somehow, they can just make things better by being a dog; humans have never mastered that skill.” We should always be thankful when a an animal chooses to share their soul with us.